Charlotte M. (Kettering) Kruse

Charlotte (Kettering) Kruse, age 94, of Marshfield, Wisconsin, passed away peacefully late Monday, May 23, 2022, at Stoney River Assisted Living in Marshfield, Wisconsin. Her family wants to express enormous gratitude to the dedicated staff at Stoney River, who provided her exceptional and compassionate care.

 A Memorial Service will be held Monday, June 6, 2022, at 11:00 AM at First Presbyterian Church, located at 200 S. Lincoln Ave., Marshfield, WI. Visitation will be held at the church one hour prior to service.  All are welcome to attend.

 Charlotte was born on July 10, 1927, to parents John and Margaret (Sode) Kettering in Essington, Pennsylvania. While growing up in the Great Depression, she was dedicated to her family and studies; and though she hated weeding her family’s vegetable garden, it began a lifetime passion of gardening. She graduated from Ridley Park High School before continuing her education at the University of Pennsylvania, School of Nursing as a member of the Cadet Nurse Corp.

 After graduating June 23, 1948, Charlotte worked at the University of Pennsylvania hospital for two years, before transferring to Ann Arbor, Michigan to work at the University of Michigan hospital where she met the love of her life, Captain Francis Kruse, Jr. M.D.

 Charlotte and Frank were married June 13, 1952. After the birth of their first daughter, Josephine, they relocated to Parks Air Force Base in Pleasanton, California. It was there that they welcomed twins, John and Nancy, and their youngest daughter, Frances. After Frank’s service in California, the family relocated to Washington, D.C., and shortly after, to Lackland Air Force Base near San Antonio, Texas. In 1961, the family settled in Marshfield, Wisconsin, so that Frank could pursue his career as the first neurologist at the Marshfield Clinic.

  Charlotte was a dedicated wife and mother. She also had vast interests and community involvement that spanned her entire life. Charlotte was a founding member of many organizations and clubs, such as the Saint Joseph Hospital Auxiliary (NKA Partners), the Mother’s Day Art Fair, the Wildwood Park Zoological Society, and the Duplicate Bridge Group. She was also a lifetime member of numerous associations and societies, such as New Visions Art Gallery, North Wood County Historical Society (Upham Mansion), P.E.O., Marshfield Garden Club, American Hosta Society, Marshfield Genealogy Society, Altrusa, Marshfield Women’s Club, and First Presbyterian Church. Charlotte was incredibly devoted to the betterment of the world around her, and invested a great deal in her community, serving as contributor to M.A.P.S. and the Everett Roehl Public Library with a focus on Genealogy Studies.

Charlotte was a beloved friend to many and enjoyed a great number of hobbies throughout her lifetime. She loved gardening. Her favorite flower was the red rose, and her favorite plant was Hosta; so much so, that her garden was featured in numerous Marshfield Garden Walks over the years. She was a world traveler and shared her wanderlust with her family. Charlotte was always fascinated with genealogy and invested her time studying the history of her family and the generations that came before her. She was also a Patron of the Arts, and curated a home filled with every form of art imaginable. Charlotte loved the game of Bridge, word searches, and jigsaw puzzles.

 Charlotte is lovingly survived by her four children: Josephine Kleiber (husband John), John Kruse (wife Jodi), Nancy Kruse Young (husband Peter), and Frances “Frankie” Kruse. She also leaves behind her beloved grandchildren: Brian Olson, Alison Jump (husband Michael), Carly Kleiber, Katherine Kruse Montgomery (husband Cameron), Nicholas Young (wife Erin), Jocelyn Kleiber, Rachel Young, and Dr. Hannah Kruse Young. She is also survived by her adored great-grandchildren, Chase, Tenley, and Adam (named after her beloved grandfather, Adam Sode).

She was preceded in death by her husband, Dr. Francis “Frank” Kruse, Jr., parents Margaret and John Kettering, sister Elizabeth “Betty” Paterson, brother-in-law MacDonald Paterson, parents-in-law Mae and Francis Kruse, Sr.

In lieu of flowers, please contribute donations to Friends of Marshfield Public Library, North Wood County Historical Society, or Wildwood Zoological Society.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Charlotte M. (Kettering) Kruse, please visit our floral store.