Nancy Kruse

Nancy G. Kruse, age 56, went home to be with Jesus on November 30, 2010 after a six month bout with cancer. She was surrounded by her family and an atmosphere of worship and prayer. Nancy was born in Fairmont, MN and grew up in rural Truman, MN, where she was actively involved at Waverly Lutheran Church. Nancy was Baptized on April 18, 1954, and Confirmed on June 1, 1969. She attended the Truman Public School, and later graduated from Augsburg College in Minneapolis in 1976 with a Bachelor's degree, and then Fuller Theological Seminary in Pasadena, CA in 1981 with a Master's degree. Nancy served as a counselor with St. Paul Youth Service Bureau, 1982-1984; a counselor with Lutheran Social Services of Colorado, 1984-1988; an International Customer Service Agent with Delta Air Lines, 1988-1992; Worship and Music Leader at Ambassador Baptist Church, Bloomington, MN, 1994-1995; Communications Director at Berean Baptist Church, Burnsville, MN, 1993-1995; Minister of Music and Worship at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, Sandy, UT, 1995-1999; Hospital Chaplain at Ogden Regional Medical Center, Ogden, UT, 1999-2001; Executive Director of Community of Churches in Utah, 2000-2003; Minister of Music at Ascension Lutheran Church, Ogden, UT 2001-2005; Minister of Music at Oak Heights Covenant Church, Hutchinson, MN, 2007-2009. Nancy also taught many piano students out of her home and greatly enjoyed the seasonal programs and recitals of her students. Being strong in her Christian faith and prayer, Nancy had an intense interest in international missions, outreach, and teaching. Her international missions included the Billy Graham crusade to Moscow, as well as subsequent mission trips to Russia and the Ukraine with East European Outreach and East European Missions Network. Nancy was also involved with worship, teaching, intercession and outreach with Prayer Watch International in the U.S., Norway, and Germany. Nancy is survived by her husband, Rev. Karl Kruse of Eden Prairie, MN; step-daughter, Laura Kruse of St. Paul, MN; mother, Arlene Krusemark of St. Peter, MN; sister Kathy Allen of St. Peter, MN; nephew Ethan Allen of St. Paul, MN; niece, Emily (Erik) Raml of St. Bonifacius, MN and their children Austin and Adele; eleven cousins; four aunts; and one uncle. Nancy is preceded in death by her father, Meryle Krusemark; grandparents Hugh and Mabel Krusemark and also Chris and Edith Johnson, as well as four uncles.