Eldon “Babe” Harvey Kruse passed away peacefully on May 24, 2024 at the age of 86. He was born in Little Rock township on October 22, 1937 to Harvey T. and Cora (Ostrem) Kruse. He grew up on the family farm and attended Adrian High School (class of 55’). He then went on to attend the University of Minnesota for Agricultural Studies before returning home.
On November 16, 1957, Babe was united in marriage to Lorna Lindemann at the St. John’s Lutheran Church in Rushmore, MN. Following their marriage, they eventually settled on a farm south of Rushmore that became their forever home. The two were married for 63 years, resulting in 5 wonderful children; Janice, Allan, Lynn, Doug and Lori.
Babe farmed for nearly 35 years where he enjoyed every second! Babe was always mechanically gifted with a knack for tinkering on machinery especially in his later years with his grandson. His hands and jeans often carried his day’s work. Along with this came his love for everything John Deere…tractors, memorabilia and anything he could get his “hands on,” much to his wife’s dismay.
After farming, he was employed at Sudenga Industries where he experienced many welding challenges. “When you’ve been farming for 35 years on mediocre ground, you’ve got to be able to weld” was a quote that Babe will always be remembered by. No task was ever too big for him! He was employed here for several years with many fond memories and stories that followed. Babe never seemed to leave home without his Sudenga hat!
Babe was very active in the community being a part of the Ellsworth School Board, Lions Club, St. John’s Lutheran Church, Prairie Reapers, Granite Thrashing, bowling league and many more. Among his other favorite past-times were going to the Bucksaw (nearly every morning), casinos, polka dances with friends, and tinkering in his shop on old equipment. Babe’s beloved restored John Deere tractors would be later taken on several tri-state area tractor rides. He loved everything involving food “especially his wife’s cooking”. Babe never turned down a dessert even if he was scolded. He also treasured spending time with his 12 grandchildren and 8 great-grandchildren with each having a special nickname. His family and friends will always remember him speaking Low German even when most had not a clue what he was saying. “Schmeck Lecka” and “All the best” are a few quotes he will be remembered by.
Survived by his loving 3 sons, Allan (Cheryl), Cape Coral, FL; Lynn (Amy), Sioux Falls, SD; Doug (Donna), Adrian, MN; and 2 daughters, Lori Mulder (Doug), Magnolia, MN; and Janice (the late Thomas Lieffring), St. Paul, MN.
His special grandchildren include Adam Kruse (Courtney); Ashley Van Den Oever (Andy); Allison Jorgensen (Andre); Hannah Nolte (Tim); Grace Mulder (Alex Kramer); Matilyn Kuhl (Levi); Hailey Kruse (Carver Dorsman); Maggie Kruse; Tanges Kruse; and 3 step-grandchildren Alex Gross (Taylor); Noah Gross (Rachel); Will Gross (Jenny Lee); and 8 great-grandchildren Owen, Oliver, Sophie and Sawyer Kruse; Micah and Taylor Metter; and Jack Gross.
He was preceded in death by his loving wife, Lorna (2021), parents Harvey and Cora Kruse; and 5 siblings Avis Fletcher, Dwaine Kruse, Deloris “Tootsie” Kopplow, Delmer “Pocket” Kruse and Marlene Christians.
To share a memory or send a condolence gift, please visit the Official Obituary of Eldon "Babe" Kruse hosted by Benson Funeral Home.
Eldon “Babe” Harvey Kruse passed away peacefully on May 24, 2024 at the age of 86. He was born in Little Rock township on October 22, 1937 to Harvey T. and Cora (Ostrem) Kruse. He grew up on the family farm and attended Adrian High School (class of 55’). He then went on to attend the University of Minnesota for Agricultural Studies before returning home.
On November 16, 1957, Babe was united in marriage to Lorna Lindemann at the St. John’s Lutheran Church in Rushmore, MN. Following their marriage, they eventually settled on a farm south of Rushmore that became their forever home. The two were married for 63 years, resulting in 5 wonderful children; Janice, Allan, Lynn, Doug and Lori.
Babe farmed for nearly 35 years where he enjoyed every second! Babe was always mechanically gifted with a knack for tinkering on machinery especially in his later years with his grandson. His hands and jeans often carried his day’s work. Along with this came his love for everything John Deere…tractors, memorabilia and anything he could get his “hands on,” much to his wife’s dismay.
After farming, he was employed at Sudenga Industries where he experienced many welding challenges. “When you’ve been farming for 35 years on mediocre ground, you’ve got to be able to weld” was a quote that Babe will always be remembered by. No task was ever too big for him! He was employed here for several years with many fond memories and stories that followed. Babe never seemed to leave home without his Sudenga hat!
Babe was very active in the community being a part of the Ellsworth School Board, Lions Club, St. John’s Lutheran Church, Prairie Reapers, Granite Thrashing, bowling league and many more. Among his other favorite past-times were going to the Bucksaw (nearly every morning), casinos, polka dances with friends, and tinkering in his shop on old equipment. Babe’s beloved restored John Deere tractors would be later taken on several tri-state area tractor rides. He loved everything involving food “especially his wife’s cooking”. Babe never turned down a dessert even if he was scolded. He also treasured spending time with his 12 grandchildren and 8 great-grandchildren with each having a special nickname. His family and friends will always remember him speaking Low German even when most had not a clue what he was saying. “Schmeck Lecka” and “All the best” are a few quotes he will be remembered by.
Survived by his loving 3 sons, Allan (Cheryl), Cape Coral, FL; Lynn (Amy), Sioux Falls, SD; Doug (Donna), Adrian, MN; and 2 daughters, Lori Mulder (Doug), Magnolia, MN; and Janice (the late Thomas Lieffring), St. Paul, MN.
His special grandchildren include Adam Kruse (Courtney); Ashley Van Den Oever (Andy); Allison Jorgensen (Andre); Hannah Nolte (Tim); Grace Mulder (Alex Kramer); Matilyn Kuhl (Levi); Hailey Kruse (Carver Dorsman); Maggie Kruse; Tanges Kruse; and 3 step-grandchildren Alex Gross (Taylor); Noah Gross (Rachel); Will Gross (Jenny Lee); and 8 great-grandchildren Owen, Oliver, Sophie and Sawyer Kruse; Micah and Taylor Metter; and Jack Gross.
He was preceded in death by his loving wife, Lorna (2021), parents Harvey and Cora Kruse; and 5 siblings Avis Fletcher, Dwaine Kruse, Deloris “Tootsie” Kopplow, Delmer “Pocket” Kruse and Marlene Christians.
To share a memory or send a condolence gift, please visit the Official Obituary of Eldon "Babe" Kruse hosted by Benson Funeral Home.
