"This is what I remember most about my cousin, Rena Kruse: She taught me how to be a teenager--how to dance, dress, appear. She lived and enjoyed every moment. She was always ready to be involved--in a softball game or a board game. I don't remember her sitting still. She was always doing something, most often for others. She remembered every birthday and special event. She gave her all in everything she did and she had several careers--chef, quilter, librarian. She loved Italian food and prepared it so well. She returned from every trip to SI with pastries packed in her bag. She enjoyed a good time and laughed often. She loved people and they loved her. How lucky we are that she was a part of our lives."
In loving memory of
Rena Clotilda Kruse
January 30, 1929 - July 7, 2012
Rena Clotilda Kruse, 83, of Allison, Iowa, passed away Saturday, July 7, 2012, at the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics in Iowa City, Iowa. She was born on January 30, 1929, in Stirling, New Jersey, to John and Mary (Fecci) Cavozza. Rena graduated from the New Dorp High School in Staten Island, New York. She was united in marriage to Eldo Kruse on June 10, 1950, in Staten Island, New York. Rena was an assistant librarian for the Allison Public Library until she retired. She was a member of the St. John's EV Lutheran Church in rural Greene, Iowa. Rena was a beloved spouse, mother, grandmother and great grandmother. She enjoyed quilting, playing games with her grandchildren and great- grandchildren, polka and waltz music and spending time with all of her family and friends. Rena had a passion and skill for cooking which was passed down and enjoyed by generations. Her ravioli is a famous tradition enjoyed by the family. She is survived by her husband Eldo of Allison, children Mary (Dan) Graeser of Waverly, Ida (Gary) Beaver of Mason City and JoAnn (Kim) Miller of Allison, grandchildren David Beaver, Andrew Kruse (Samantha), Mark Graeser (Megan),Robert Beaver (Becky), Kristi Miller (Travis), Matt Graeser (Jenny), Becky Kibbee (Jamie) and Daniel Beaver (Angie), nineteen great-grandchildren, one great great-grandchild, daughter-in-law Cathy Kruse (Gary), along with many nieces and nephews. Rena was preceded in death by her parents, sister Ida and son John.
Burial will take place in the St. John's Lutheran Church Cemetery in rural Greene.
Tributes
"Our favorite memory of Rena is when Nolan passed away shortly after Carter and I started dating. Carter was sitting outside Nolan and Ann's in my yellow cougar when Rena came out, got into the car with him and said "What are you doing in my car?"....to which he replied "I think you have the wrong car!"...Eldo & Rena also had a yellow car at that time - - -her big brown eyes got really big and she got out rather quickly! Rena and Ann baked the cakes for our wedding and of course they were delicious! - just another memory of them both. :) One more....we have a number of hostas, iris and orange lilies from the farm before it was torn down. Also a basket of dried "snowballs" from the bush at the end of the sidewalk. We think of Eldo and Rena whenever we look at them and will continue to do so. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. You are a united family so your love will bring you through this difficult time. Carter and Paige Seidel"
"Eldo and Family: I would like to send my Love and let you know we are thinking of you. I loved coming to visit you guys and getting to gather eggs and clean them. The food was always the best too. I was very blessed to have Rena make by wedding cake. We had so many people say how beautiful it was. I also rememeber the time my brother and I got to spend the night at Eldo and Rena's house. They made us feel so special and we got to see what farming was all about. We had a blast. Thank You for all the great memories. Love Lorna"