Obituary of Marlene Ann Kruse

Marlene Ann Kruse beloved mother, grandmother, cousin, sister-in-law and life-long friend, passed away October 4, 2014, in Tucson, Arizona, surrounded by loved ones she held dear. She was 77. Born in Chicago, Illinois to parents Frederick Schrantz, a first generation immigrant from Luxemburg and Anna Marie Trausch of Chicago, Marlene grew up a Chicago area native. Marlene made deep connections with others, including some life-long friendships with grade school friends and roommates which she maintained closely until her death. Her loyalty and commitment to her family and friendships will continue to be a source of admiration and inspiration to those that knew her. As a young woman, she held a secretarial position at the Schlitz Brewery Distributorship in Chicago. It was there she met the love of her life and husband of 45 years, Wayne Kruse, the Chicago area Schlitz distributor and former tavern owner of Kruse's Tavern in Mt. Prospect, Illinois. Together they shared a love for Wayne's eight year old daughter from a previous marriage, Heidi, and traveled often as they created memories as a family. Affectionately known as "Aunt" Marlene to her cousin's children, Marlene lovingly and generously shared life's great experiences with her three "nieces". Using her love of good food and good wine, Marlene brought people together regularly for holiday parties and family and social gatherings. It wasn't unheard of to expect 400 or 500 friends and family to attend a Kruse holiday party, and thanks to loved ones, these gatherings continued for those closest to her, even in her final weeks. Marlene embraced Wayne's entrepreneurial spirit and shared a love for the Arizona desert and southwest culture, eventually moving to Tucson where they lived and loved for the past 25 years. It was there Marlene named their final family business, Snack Attack, a progressive concept in the snack vending industry serving small businesses with their vending needs and, of course, along the way, making meaningful connections with those who worked with her. She was selfless, strong, resilient and had an innate sense of nurture, which only supported and strengthened her in her role as caregiver to her parents early on in her life and later as she became caregiver of 16 years to her great love, Wayne, after his stroke in 1998. Marlene always maintained her sense of humor and her hard working spirit, and found particular joy in her role as Nana to her extended and immediate grandchildren. Marlene is survived by step-daughter, Heidi Lee Kruse (Beverly); two grandchildren, Tyler Carlson Kruse, Ellery Hope Kruse; brother-in-law, Orville Kruse; three sisters-in-law, Holly Kruse Balbier (Thomas), Candie Kruse Burgess (Brent), Roberta Kruse Montgomery; cousins, Richard Flam (Ruth), Jerome Flam (Sharon), Thomas Flam (Patricia); extended family, Al Larsen (Elizabeth) and their daughters, Lia and Jesse; and her beloved friends. Marlene was preceded in death by her husband, Wayne Kruse; her parents, Frederick and Anna Marie Schrantz; and her brother, Robert Schrantz. Our family would like to express our warmest gratitude and appreciation to Richard and Ruth Flam, Geri Moran and Al and Elizabeth Larsen for their supportive and loving care, which allowed Marlene and Wayne to continue their life together in their home during their golden and final years. A mass to honor Marlene will be held at St. Francis de Sales Parish in Tucson on Friday, October 17, at 2:00 in the afternoon. A Celebration of Life reception at the Kruse home will immediately follow. In lieu of flowers, memorials in Marlene's name may be sent to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital , 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105. Arrangements by Bring's Broadway Chapel, 6910 E. Broadway, Tucson, AZ.