Florence Edith Kruse

Florence Edith Kruse, 84, Welch, died peacefully in her sleep, Saturday, Sept. 29, 2007 at the Fairview Seminary Home. She had resided at the Seminary Home for the past eight years, where she was well cared for. She was born June 2, 1923 to Roy and Anna (Helgeson) Miller in Earl Park, Indiana. They moved to Franklin St. in Red Wing where she spent her childhood, and later graduated from Red Wing Central High School. She married Edward "Buddy" M. Kruse on October 23, 1943 in Miesville, Minn. Edward was drafted into the U.S. Army during WWII. Florence went to work at Red Wing Pottery, painting flowers on dishes. In 1951 Edward and Florence moved to Welch. The motion picture, "Here on Earth" was filmed in their home. They enjoyed weekends dancing at Wiederholt's Supper Club, fishing and camping. Edward died March 24, 2003. She loved collecting roosters and chickens. Florence was a member of St. Joseph's Catholic Church in Miesville

She is survived by five children, JoAnne (Allan) Maki of Loudon, Tenn., Elizabeth (Michael) Maher of Hastings, David (Laurie) Kruse of Cannon Falls, Dale (Beth) Kruse of Red Wing and Douglas Kruse of Lake City; 9 grandchildren and 6 great-grandchildren; 1 brother, LeRoy (Anita) Miller of St. Cloud; and many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her husband; one son, Allen and one sister, Ella (Russell) Bates.

Funeral service will be 11 a.m. Wednesday at St. Joseph's Catholic Church, Miesville with Father Jay Kythe officiating. Burial will be at the church cemetery. Pallbearers will be Aaron Maher, Justin Kruse, Jack Long, Jim Illies Sr., and Joshua Jacks. Visitation will be 5-7 p.m. Tuesday at Mahn Family Funeral Home, Bodelson-Mahn Chapel and for one hour prior to the service at the church.