Mary Gert Kruse

Mary Gertrude Kruse peacefully passed into Heaven on Monday, August 15, 2011. Mary Gert, as she was affectionately known by her friends, was born in Muskegon on June 30, 1919, to Jeannett and Ferdinand Lange. She was a graduate of Muskegon High School, Muskegon Community College and Western Michigan University, where she received her degree in Elementary Education. Following her graduation she was employed by the Muskegon Heights Public School System, and later substitute taught for Muskegon Public Schools. On March 2, 1946, she was united in marriage to Norman F. Kruse, who survives. Mary was frequently referred to as "Mrs. Mayor," because of Norm's service as Mayor of Muskegon. She and Norm attended Forest Park Covenant Church. She was very active in the community as a member of Women's Division of the Chamber of Commerce, Service League, Friends of Art, and the Muskegon County Garden Club. She was a volunteer at the Hackley Hospital Gift Shop for over 50 years, and loved getting to know all of the employees at Hackley. Mary was a huge University of Michigan fan, and she and Norm had football season tickets for over 30 years. Mary was a dog lover, and spent hours at the Kruse Park dog beach with her dog and "grand-dogs". SURVIVORS Her husband, Norman F.; her children, Robert N. (Donna) Kruse of Troy, Michigan and Jan (Merle) Kruse-McCoy of Kalamazoo, Michigan. She is also survived by grandchildren, Mark (Michelle) McCoy of Pontiac, Michigan, Mike (Luz) McCoy of Grand Rapids, Michigan and Lynne (Jeff) Baker of Grand Rapids, Michigan, and eight great-grandchildren. SERVICE Saturday, August 20, 2011, 1:00 PM at Forest Park Covenant Church with Rev. Wally Coots officiating. Interment at Oakwood Cemetery. A reception will be held immediately following the service. MEMORIAL: In lieu of flowers, the family is requesting that donations be made to the Women and Children's Fund of the Muskegon Community Foundation, Noah's Project, or the charity of your choice.