Cover photo for Donald Kruize's Obituary
Donald Kruize Profile Photo
1930 Donald 2017

Donald Kruize

August 16, 1930 — March 7, 2017

Donald Kruize, 86, of Elbow Lake, died Monday, March 6, 2017, at the Barrett Care Center.

Donald Raymond Kruize was born on August 16, 1930 in Nobles County, MN, the son of Eppo and Freada (Buss) Kruize. He attended country school near Ellsworth, MN, until the age of 12, when he moved with his family to Elbow Lake. Following the death of his father, Donald, at the age of 16, had to take over the family farm.

On December 12, 1964, Don married Marlys Bjugan at First Lutheran Church in Elbow Lake, and they were blessed with three children.

From 1946 to 1995, Don farmed and milked dairy cows, continuing with a herd of beef cattle until the time of his retirement. In his spare time, Don enjoyed gardening, fishing, and attending auctions. Most important to Don was time spent with his family, especially his grandchildren.

Don was a member of United Lutheran Church, where he served as trustee and Tribe leader; and he was active with 4-H.

He is survived by his wife of 52 years, Marlys of Elbow Lake; James (Jennifer) Kruize of Fargo; Peggy Uhlenkamp of Olivia, MN; and Jody (Tanya Puchalski) Kruize of Barrett; grandchildren, Nathan, Hannah, Kylie, and Erin Kruize; Trent, Mason, and Kole Uhlenkamp; Taylin, Elly, and Karagan; three sisters, Gladys Woltjer of Elbow Lake, Dianne (Harvey) Erickson of Battle Lake, and Kathy (Eddie) Beckman of Andover, MN; and many nieces and nephews.

In addition to his parents, Don was preceded in death by two sisters, Alvina (Fred) Woltjer and Darlene (Orvin) Rosin; a son-in-law, Mark Uhlenkamp; and brothers-in-law, Bill Woltjer and Gordon (Janet) Bjugan.

Visitation: 5 – 7 PM Wednesday, at United Lutheran Church in Elbow Lake and one hour prior to services at the church

Funeral Service: 2 PM Thursday, March 9, 2017, at United Lutheran Church in Elbow Lake

Clergy: Reverend Jean Ohman

Interment: Union Cemetery, Elbow Lake

Online Guestbook: EricksonSmithFH.com

Arrangements by Erickson-Smith Funeral Home of Elbow Lake






Donald's Memorial Folder


Funeral Home: Erickson-Smith Funeral Home - Elbow Lake 116 1st Street NE Elbow Lake, MN US 56531

Previous Events

Visitation
Wednesday, March 8, 2017
5:00 PM - 7:00 PM
United Lutheran Church

116 1st Street NE
Elbow Lake, MN 56531

Service
Thursday, March 9, 2017
2:00 PM
United Lutheran Church

116 1st Street NE
Elbow Lake, MN 56531

cemetery
Thursday, March 9, 2017
Union Cemetery

Hwy 79 E
Elbow Lake, MN 56531

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