Hilda Ella Kruse

GREENE — Funeral Services for Hilda Ella Kruse, 101, of Greene, will be 10:30 a.m., Saturday, Sept. 24, 2016, at Retz Funeral Home, 519 N. First St., Greene, with Pastor Ann Donat officiating. Burial will be in the Lynwood Cemetery in Clarksville at a future date due to weather delays. Visitation will be 5-7 p.m., Friday, Sept. 23, 2016, at Retz Funeral Home, 519 N. First St., Greene, with a Public Scripture Service at 7 p.m.

Hilda Ella Kruse was born on May 22, 1915, in Fremont Township, Butler County, the daughter of Gottlieb and Margaret (Lundt) Wedeking and passed away at the Valley View Care Center in Greene, on Tuesday, Sept. 20, 2016. Hilda received her education in the rural Fremont Township schools.

Hilda was united in marriage to John Kruse on September 20, 1935, in the Little Brown Church in Nashua. This union was blessed with three children. The couple moved to Greene in March 1967 and became members of the United Methodist Church, where Hilda was very active in the Dorcas Circle. Hilda and John were janitors for the church for many years.

Hilda was a marvelous cook and baker and was well known for her delicious homemade buns and cinnamon rolls. She had plenty of opportunities to bake for others as she worked for many years as a cook for both the Greene Elementary and High School.

Hilda enjoyed watching Lawrence Welk, Wheel of Fortune, the Price Is Right and other game shows. She loved to crochet and blessed her family with lovely doilies and table runners. Hilda played cards and spent many treasured hours with her family and friends.

Living family members include her daughter, Margaret Smith of Greene; son, John (Mary Jean) Kruse of Waverly; eight grandchildren: Randy (Jayne) Smith, Ron (Jane) Smith, Ryan (Karen) Smith, Lisa Smith, Rhonda (Brad) Rottler; two step grandchildren: Michael Jacobson, Gerrot (Brittney) Jacobson; Denise (Carter) Harstad, Mike (Christa) Kruse, Jana (Tim) Adams; 13 great grandchildren; 11 great-great grandchildren; one sister, Margaret Riden of Charles City; and many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her husband John in 1992; son Ronald in 1947; grandson, Ross Smith; parents; six brothers; and three sisters.

Those planning an expression of sympathy may direct memorials to the Hilda Kruse Memorial Fund, P.O. Box 219, Greene, IA 50636.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Retz Funeral Home, 519 N. First St., Greene, 641-823-4457, www.retzfh.com.