Essie Kruse

Essie Estelle Kruse, one of four daughters of Jessie H. Walker and Amy Astella (Clark) Walker, was born in Randolph, Iowa on May 29, 1903. She was a tremendous musician and often played the piano during the silent movies in the Randolph theater. After graduating from Randolph High School, Essie attended Normal Teacher Training in Cedar Falls, Iowa. She then began her career teaching in Tripoli, Iowa.
Essie and Joseph Henry Kruse of Silver City, Iowa were married at the First Methodist Church in Council Bluffs, Iowa on June 12, 1928. They made their home in Silver City where Joseph managed the Silver City Bank. Their marriage was blessed with two children, James Joseph Kruse and Carita Joanne Kruse. In addition to her duties at home, Essie taught third and fourth grade in the Silver City School during World War II. She was a very private person who loved to read. Her love of books was evident during her more than 35 years as the librarian in Silver City.
In 1993, Essie and Joe moved from their home in Silver City to the Glen Haven Home in Glenwood, IA and in 1994, to the Tabor Manor Care Center in Tabor, IA. They had been married 67 years when Joe died in January of 1995. Essie remained in Tabor until November of that year when she moved to the assisted living center at the Risen Son Christian Village near Council Bluffs. She enjoyed spending time with friends and many times could be heard playing the organ.
In February of 2006, Essie moved from the assisted living area of Risen Son to the care center, where she died on July 22, 2006 at the age of 103 years, 1 month, and 23 days. Essie was preceded in death by her parents; husband Joe Kruse; son James Kruse; and sisters Litta Walker, Gertrude Kopp, and Irene Markel.
Essie is survived by her daughter Carita Frank and husband Clint of Omaha, NE; daughter-in-law Elveta Kruse of Bartlesville, OK; five grandchildren; nine great grandchildren; nieces and nephews and friends.

Hertz Funeral Home of Glenwood, IA in charge of arrangements.