Jean M. Kruse, 73, of Michigan City, died Sunday, Sept. 18, 2005 at The Arbors of Michigan City.

She was born Nov. 21, 1931 in LaPorte, the daughter of Henry and Elizabeth (Link) DeMass, both of whom preceded her in death.

On May 25, 1952 in Westville, she married Richard “Jim” Kruse, Jr., who survives in Michigan City.

She is also survived by four sons, Richard James Kruse, III of Michigan City, Thomas (Shelley) Kruse of LaPorte, William (Leslie) Kruse of Seattle, Wash., Mark (Shelley) Kruse of Las Vegas, Nev.; a granddaughter, Kathryn Kruse of LaPorte; a brother, Michael (Linda) DeMass of Mountain Home, Ariz. and a sister, Mary Hale of Jacksonville, Fla.

Mrs. Kruse received her bachelors degree in education with highest distinction from Purdue North Central in 1972. She received her masters degree in education from Purdue North Central in 1977. She began her teaching career at Knapp Elementary School in Michigan City in 1972 and she concluded her final years of teaching at Coolspring Elementary School in 1996. In her last year of service she was presented an award for 24 years of distinguished service to the Michigan City area schools. She was a member of the First United Methodist Church where she taught Sunday school for many years, and was a member of the Delta Kappa Gamma Sorority, Michigan City.

A funeral service, Rev. John Hall officiating, will be at 11 a.m. Friday, Sept. 23, 2005 at the First United Methodist Church, 121 E. 7th St., Michigan City. Interment will be in the Greenwood Cemetery, Michigan City.

Visitation will be from 4-8 p.m. Thursday in the Ott/Haverstock Funeral Chapel, 418 Washington St., Michigan City, and Friday from 10 a.m. till time of service at the church.

Contributions may be made to the First United Methodist Church, 121 E. 7th St., Michigan City, IN 46360.

To sign a guestbook please visit the web at www.otthaverstock.com

Posted 9/20/2005