Margaret Kruse

Margaret was born in Peoria County on January 5, 1919 to Richard and Helen Stear. She had 2 brothers and 6 sisters. Her husband Henry, a WW II Veteran and a career Caterpillar employee, was buried at Swan Lake Cemetery in 2002.

She is survived by her three children, Richard (Gail) Kruse of Chicago, Donajean (Jerry) Nelson of Bourbonnais, and Ron (Marty) Kruse of Bellevue, Washington; 10 grandchildren; 15 great-grandchildren; and one sister, Matilda Preston of Arizona.

Margaret had been employed at Caterpillar (during WW II to help support their children), the Pere Marquette Hotel, the Jefferson Hotel, Carson Pirie Scott, and the Robert A Jamieson School.

Margaret was an active member of the Peoria community throughout her lifetime. She was a member of West Bluff Christian Church for over 60 years, participating in many aspects of that ministry. In later years she was very active as a community volunteer – an award winning volunteer at the Methodist Hospital for over 20 years (she worked in the mail room and also knitted thousands of caps, blankets and Christmas stockings for newborns), and was a member of the Service League of Peoria. As an accomplished seamstress, she donated sewing time to many local facilities and organizations.

She was respected by all for her determination, and a selfless dedication to helping others. Her family was always encouraged by her unfailing love.

Funeral Services will be at 11:00 a.m., Saturday, April 9, 2011 at Davison-Fulton Woodland Chapel in Peoria. Rev. Kerry Frantz will officiate. Visitation will be one hour prior to the service at the chapel. Burial will be in Swan Lake Memory Gardens in Peoria.

View Margaret’s life story at www.Davison-Fulton.com.

Memorials may be sent to the Calvary Bible Church, 2587 E Armour Rd, Bourbonnais, IL 60914 or Methodist Medical Center 221 NE Glen Oak Ave. Peoria, IL 61636.