Effie A. Kruse, 83, Merrill, passed away Tuesday, February 21, 2012 at her son’s home in Merrill, under the care of Aspirus Comfort Care & Hospice Services.
She was born in Boscobelle, Wisconsin on April 19, 1928 to the late Alonzo & Violet (Hill) Ward. Effie was preceded in death by her first husband, Harold ‘Bud’ Litke in 1981. She married Allen Kruse in October of 1982. He survives.
Effie graduated from Merrill Senior High School in 1946. She worked for Weinbrenner Shoe Factory for 48 years from May 9, 1947 until her retirement on July 31, 1995. She loved to hunt and fish and also enjoyed spending summers at her lake cottage. Effie loved spending time with her family, especially her grandchildren. Effie also enjoyed her ceramics.
Effie is survived by her husband, Allen Kruse, Hazelhurst; son: Barry (Ann) Litke, Merrill; Grandchildren: Isaac (Tabby) Litke, Merrill, Tara (Andrew) Schneider, Merrill, and Jennifer (Brent) Schmoeckel, Irma; great-grandchildren: Elizabeth, Brianna, Samuel and Alexis Schneider, Isabella Litke, and Anna Schmoeckel; and brother: Dorn (Judy) Ward, Wausau. She was preceded in death by her parents, her first husband, Harold Litke in 1981, and a brother and sister-in-law, Gilbert (Rosemary) Ward.
Funeral Services will be held 11:00 AM Saturday, February 25, 2012 at Waid Funeral Home Chapel. Pastor Isaac Litke will officiate. Visitation will be from 9-11 AM at the funeral home. Buril will follow at Woodlawn Cemetery. Waid Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements. Online condolences may be made at www.waidfuneral.com.