Elaine Kruse, 87 of St. Hilaire, MN passed away peacefully on Sunday, August 27, 2023 at Valley Care and Rehabilitation in Barnesville, MN with her loving family by her side.

Visitation will be held from 5:00 PM until 8:00 PM with a 7:30 PM Prayer Service on Friday, September 1, 2023 at Johnson Funeral Service in Thief River Falls, MN.

The service to celebrate Elaine's life will be at 2:00 PM on Saturday, September 2, 2023 at Johnson Funeral Service in Thief River Falls with visitation one hour prior to the service. Burial will be held at the St. Hiliare Community Cemetery at a later date.

Elaine Annie Nelson was born to Edwin and Evelyn (Grimm) Nelson on April 17, 1936 in Brooks, MN. She was baptized and confirmed at Immanuel Lutheran Church in McIntosh, MN. Elaine was raised in the Oklee, MN area and attended Oklee Public School.

Elaine married Russell Rux and this union four children were born Randy, Rick, Rob and Ranae. Elaine married Wayne Kruse and to this union two children were born Penny and Jon.

Elaine worked as a beautician in her early years, later she enjoyed working at the VFW in Thief River Falls where she loved meeting and interacting with people. Elaine lived in Alaska and Hawaii for a short time and returned back to the St. Hilaire, Thief River Falls area.

Elaine enjoyed spending time in her yard, gardening, cooking, canning, baking, traveling, reading and coloring. She enjoyed the days listening to  Penny sing in her bands and dancing the night away. She loved the lake and spending time in the sun. She loved fashion and always had to match from head to toe. Elaine was known for sending letters and cards to family and friends, never missing an occasion. She most of all enjoyed the time spent with her family especially the grandchildren.

Elaine is survived by her children Rick (Stephanie) Rux of Foley, MN, Rob Rux of Thief River Falls, MN, Ranae Knaffla of Duluth, MN, Penny (Jimmy) Glass of Fargo, ND and Jon (Lori Severson) Kruse of St. Hilaire, MN; grandchildren Jordan (Jamie) Rux, Derek (Sam) Rux, Robby Rae (Alana) Rux, Christopher (Sabrina) Rux, Blaire (Lynsey) Rux, Kelly (Jesse) Nelson, Kruse (Kelsey) Cullen, Krystle (Grant) Meyer, McKayla Schindler, Jaden Kruse, Payton Leier, Shawn Rux, Stephanie (Aaron) Walski, Andy (Devon) Glass, Tyler Glass, Nick Glass; many adoring great-grandchildren. Special friend Larry Hurst; siblings Dianne Turgeon of Warren, MN, Ardelle (George) Olson of Oklee, MN and Ronald Nelson of Red Lake Falls, MN; along with several nieces and nephews.

Elaine is preceded in death by her parents Edwin and Evelyn Nelson, son Randy Rux, granddaughter Amy Rux, son-in-law Mick Knaffla and sister Eunice Rolandson.

The Kruse family would like to extend a thank you to everyone for the love and support as they maneuver through this difficult time. They have appreciated all the kind words, thoughts, and prayers.