Donna M Kruse

Donna M. Kruse, 91, of Forest Park, Illinois, passed away peacefully on Sunday, April 6th, 2025 in Oak Brook Terrace, Illinois. She was born December 26, 1933, to Charles and Esther Hasse on the family farm near Nashua, MN.

Her young life was split between farm work, chores, school, and family time. From feeding chickens to driving a tractor at age 12, she was a huge help to her mother and father around the farm. As much as she loved farm work, Donna felt her calling was to teach others. After graduating from Tintah HS in 1951, she left home for Concordia Teachers College in St. Paul, MN.

Due to a shortage of teachers in 1953, Donna started her first teaching job at the tender age of 20, where she traveled to St. Paul's Lutheran Church/ School in Ottawa, Canada. In addition to teaching, she was also the church organist – Donna was a talented pianist and loved music her entire life. Her next teaching assignment took her to Immanuel Lutheran School in Glenview, Illinois from 1954-1959. She completed her teaching degree from Concordia University, River Forest in 1961. Later that year, she was called to teach at St. John's Lutheran Church/School in Forest Park, IL. This is where she met the love of her life – Arthur Kruse. They were married at St. John's on June 29, 1963, and she moved into the Kruse family house, also in Forest Park. This new house would become her beloved home of 62 years. Donna put teaching on hold to raise her children, Jill, Joel and Kim. The family enjoyed countless gatherings and holidays filled with love and laughter – creating lasting memories all through the generations. In the midst of raising kids, Donna and Art volunteered at church often, and enjoyed spending time together in their garden. They enjoyed many family vacations back to Donna’s childhood farm in Minnesota.

Donna’s strong faith and belief in Christ was a powerful force that guided her throughout her life. She was an active member and pillar of St. John Lutheran Church/School in Forest Park for most of her adult life. Donna was a member of the choir, taught bible studies, and filled in often as the church organist. Donna returned to teaching full time at St. John in the fall of 1984. She retired in 1999, and enjoyed traveling with her close friends to Europe, Hong Kong, Alaska, the Canadian Rockies and Hawaii. Donna also became a lifeline to many of her friends, driving them to church and other events well into her 80’s. Throughout her life, Donna did not hesitate to help those less fortunate – even offering up her own home to others when they needed it.

Donna loved her grandkids - Alec, Megan, Hailey, James, and Dana. She helped out often, and the grandkids have many wonderful memories spent at Grandma’s home playing card games and working on arts/crafts. She entered the Forest Park Garden Walk in 2021 with her granddaughter Hailey, and they won Best in Show. Donna always enjoyed cooking and baking for her extended family, and her Ginger and Anise cookies were eagerly anticipated by all at Christmas.

Donna is survived by her brother: David (Grace) Hasse; her children: Jill, Joel (Lori) Kruse, and Kim (Patrick) Rodden; her grandchildren: Alec (Alejandra), Megan (Auna), Hailey, James and Dana. She was preceded in death by her husband: Arthur Kruse; her parents: Charles and Esther Hasse; her sisters: Janet Teegen, Nancy Perez, and Colleen Herzog. Donna was a beloved Aunt to many nieces and nephews.

The family would like to extend a special thanks to Paulina at Guardian Hospice, and caregiver Maritza for the loving care they provided for Donna.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, May 31, 2025, at St. John's Lutheran Church (305 Circle Ave, Forest Park, IL). Visitation begins at 9:30am with service at 11:00am.

Memorial donations in Donna's name can be made to St. John’s Lutheran Church or American Cancer Society.