OREGON – Bernice M. Kruse, age 87, died Friday, Feb. 22, 2019 at the Serenity Hospice and Home near Oregon surrounded by her loving family. She was born May 16, 1931 in Thomson, Ill., the daughter of Charles W. and Kathryn E. (Eisenhower) Hartman.
She graduated from Lanark High School in 1949. Bernice married Frederick E. Kruse on Nov. 15, 1953 in Lanark. She was a member of the Congregational Christian Church of Stillman Valley where she served as Sunday School Treasurer for over 50 years, served as a deaconess, and was on various other committees within the church including the memorial committee, and the Senior Fellowship Group. She served on the 4-H Youth Council, the American Cancer Society, the Red Cross, and the Ogle County Homemaker’s Extension. She was also a member of the Rochelle Christian Women’s Club, served on the Farm Bureau Women’s Committee. She and her husband Fred would buy and raise 1000 chicken’s every year gathering eggs daily. She was known to many for her meticulous manicured lawn.
She was predeceased by her husband Fred, twin brother Bernard Hartman and brother Charles H. Hartman.
She is survived by her 2 children; Deb (Bruce) Bonne of Stillman Valley and John (Jennifer) Kruse of Byron, 2 grandchildren; Brooke (Jamie) Adams of Stillman Valley, Brent (Arlett) Bonne of Davis Junction, 3 great grandchildren; Kaitlyn and Nolan Adams, and Camila Bonne, and several nieces and nephews.
The family would like to especially thank the Serenity Hospice and Home Staff and Rev. Chris Brauns for their loving care and support.
Funeral services were 10:30 am, Monday, Feb. 25, 2019 at the Congregational Christian Church in Stillman Valley with the Rev. Chris Brauns pastor of the church officiating. Burial was in the Stillman Valley Cemetery. Visitation was from 2-4 p.m., Sunday, Feb. 24 at the Farrell-Holland-Gale Funeral Home, 136 W. Roosevelt Rd in Stillman Valley. A memorial fund is established for the Serenity Hospice and Home or the Congregational Christian Church. To leave a condolence visit www.farrellhollandgale.com.
