Susan Kruse

Susan Kruse passed away peacefully at Mercy Hospital November 27, 2006 at the age of 51 after a brave struggle with recurrent breast cancer. She was surrounded by, and is survived by a large and very close family: her parents, Clair and Tootie Seuntjens; her brothers: Kurt (Cindy), Pete (Jenny), and Barney (Jen); and her sisters, Liz Vermeersch (Tom), Heidi Reed (Ron), and Jill Sailer (Gary). Her husband of 28 years, Grant; and her daughters, Beth and Heather were also by her side, as well as Jim and Cindy Smith, Denise Suess, and Gary and Christie Peitzmeier, some of her dearest friends.
Sue’s happiest moments were as the “ultimate band mom” for hundreds of kids at West Des Moines Valley High School. She was in charge of the band uniforms for many years, and took great pride in making sure that the Marchmasters looked top notch from head to toe. Perhaps one of her proudest moments was seeing the Marchmasters perform in the Rose Parade prior to the Rose Bowl in 2004. She provided all kinds of help and encouragement to “her” kids, from candy to reassurance to spare socks, she loved them all, and they loved her back.
Sue was a talented seamstress who delighted in creating marvelous clothing and stuffed animals for many of her friends and their children. She lived for her own children as well, traveling to hundreds of dance practices and competitions with both Beth and Heather, as well as many performances when they were in the Valley music program. But her greatest gift was as a loyal and supportive friend. Her infectious giggle, positive attitude, and unconditional love will be remembered and treasured by everyone who knew her.
Funeral mass will be 11:00 a.m. Friday, December 1, 2006 at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in West Des Moines, with burial in Jordan Cemetery. Visitation will be 5:00 – 7:00 p.m. Thursday, November 30, 2006 at Hamilton’s on Westown Parkway with a prayer service beginning at 7:00 p.m. at the funeral home.

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