Joyce L. Kruse

Joyce L. Kruse, a child of God, was called to her eternal home in heaven on August 3, 2021.  Joyce was born in Appleton on January 31, 1943, daughter of the late Alfred and Violet (Retzlaff) Marzahl.   She was baptized and confirmed at Trinity Lutheran Church in Kaukauna.  Joyce graduated from Kaukauna High School and subsequently furthered her education through various technical college courses and certification programs.  She worked at AAL (Thrivent) and Kimberly Clark.  On May 10, 1969, she married Oliver Kruse at Trinity.  Their marriage was blessed with four children.

Joyce delighted in service to her Lord and her family.  Joyce and Oliver were active volunteers at Trinity.   She treasured being a grandmother.  In retirement, Joyce enjoyed embroidery, gardening, and volunteering at the Fox Cities Performing Arts Center.

Joyce is survived by her husband, Oliver Kruse; four children: Elizabeth “Betsy” (Steven) McCrary, Timothy (Rosalyn) Kruse, James (Bonnie) Kruse. and Rachel (Kurt) Becker.  Her grandchildren are Aaron (Carolyn Karls), Joshua and Noah McCrary; Elijah, Ella, and Evan Kruse; Alissa (Jake Westover) and Trever Sottosanti; Nora and Simeon Kruse, and Grace and Emily Becker.

She is also survived by sisters Nancy (George) Traucht and Carol (Al) King; brother Tom (Lori) Marzahl, and in-laws Ruth (Bill) Pfund and Marilyn Kruse.  She was preceded in death by her parents, sister Bette Marzahl, and brother-in-law Melvin Kruse.

The Christian Funeral service for Joyce will be held at 11:00 AM on Friday, August 6, 2021, at Trinity Lutheran Church, located at 804 Grignon Street in Kaukauna, with Rev. Roger Holtz officiating.  Interment will follow in the church cemetery.  Family and friends are invited to gather at the church on Friday morning from 9:00 AM until the time of the service.  In homage to Joyce’s dedication to Christian education, the family has selected Trinity’s Early Childhood Center Grounded and Growing Fund for memorial gifts.  Gifts may also be directed to the Fox Cities Performing Arts Center.

The family gratefully acknowledges the wonderful care Joyce received from caregivers who allowed her to live at home throughout her illness.