Dorothy A. Kruse, 82, of Caledonia, passed away Sunday, April 26, 2026, at Gundersen Tweeten Care Center in Spring Grove, Minn., after years of dealing with the effects of Alzheimer’s disease.
She was born January 30, 1944, in Caledonia to Arthur and Alma (Tewes) Kruse. Dorothy was baptized at the home of her parents on February 13, 1944. She attended First Grade at the Winnebago Valley Country School (District 50) before transferring to St. John’s Lutheran School in Caledonia. She was confirmed on May 25, 1958. After eighth grade she continued her education and graduated from Caledonia Public High School.
Dorothy worked in the healthcare profession working for Dr. Virnig at the Caledonia Clinic and then working for many years for the Gundersen Health System in La Crosse until her retirement.
She was a faithful member of St. John’s Evangelical Lutheran Church in Caledonia. She had a beautiful voice and enjoyed music. She sang in the church choir for over 40 years and joined the hand bells when that group was formed.
Dorothy enjoyed bowling on Tuesday mornings in the ladies league in Caledonia. She also loved crafts and flower gardening. Dorothy went on many bus trips in the United States and traveled to Hawaii and Europe. Most of all, she enjoyed spending time with her family and her special friend and social companion, Kenny Schulze. Kenny would take Dorothy on many rides on his motorcycle, which was always a thrilling experience.
Survivors include her special friend Kenny Schulze, her siblings Erna Krzebietke, Phyllis (LeRoy) Kohlmeyer, Cheryl Skadsem, Joyce (Myron) Rediske, and Devoine (Linda) Kruse; many nieces and nephews, as well as other family and dear friends, and the Schulze family.
Dorothy was preceded in death by her parents, her brother and sister-in-law Harold and Alice Kruse, and her brother-in-law Paul Krzebietke.
Funeral services will be at 11 a.m., Monday, May 4, 2026, at St. John’s Ev. Lutheran Church, 650 N. Kingston St., Caledonia. Rev. Tom Schultz will officiate. Burial will follow in Evergreen Cemetery. A visitation will be from 9 a.m. until the time of the service Monday at the church. In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred. Fredrickson Funeral Homes, Caledonia, is in charge of arrangements. Online condolences may be offered at the funeral home website, www.fredricksonfuneralhomes.com.
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