Carol Jean Kruse

Carol Jean (Brautigam) Kruse, 77, of rural Botkins, died 9:49 p.m., Sun. Dec. 20, 2015, at Elmwood Assisted Living Center, New Bremen, with her family at her side. She was born in Botkins, January 4, 1938, the daughter of Carl Vernon & Luella (Berg) Brautigam. On Aug. 14, 1955, she married Emerson LeRoy Kruse, and he died June 3, 2014. Survivors include, children: Sharon (Pat) Baumer, Minster; Christine (Bill) Fogt, Anna; Susan (Dave) Griffith, New Knoxville; and Chuck (Amy Clink) Kruse, Wapakoneta; grandchildren, Ben (Lindsey) Baumer, Janel (Stefan) McGraw, Rob (Shantelle) Fogt, Steven (Sarah) Fogt, Trenton (Erin) Fogt, Melinda (Levi) Gehrlich, Michael (Jess) Griffith, Matthew Kruse, Brandon Kruse, Hayley Kruse and Courtney Kruse, great grandchildren: Liam, Maribel, Cohen, and Dylan Baumer, Gavin, Ivy, Isabelle, and Eleanor Fogt, Landynn, Logan, and Savannah Fogt, Brock, Keegan, and Mallory Gehrlich, Gabby and Kadin Griffith, brother, Norman (Jobie-deceased) Brautigam, Rockville, MD. In addition to her parents , she was preceded in death by a sister and brother-in-law, Mary Ellen & Robert Koenig, New Bremen. Carol graduated with honors in 1955 from Botkins high School. A homemaker, she was a past Avon representative and worked at Roettger Hardwood, Inc. She was a member of the New Knoxville United Methodist Church and a member of the United Methodist Women. She had served as treasurer and Sunday school teacher at the former Olive Branch United Methodist Church. She was baptized and confirmed in St. Paul’s Evangelical and Reformed Church in Wapakoneta. Carol was also a member of the Kettlersville Van Buren Fire Dept. Ladies Auxiliary. She served as a 4-H advisor, volunteered at Anna elementary School, and worked the election polls for many years. She enjoyed driving in parades in the 1965 Ford Galaxy convertible that her husband, Emerson, lovingly restored. Carol loved her family and enjoyed spending time with them. She also enjoyed collecting elephants and had received many as gifts from friends and family. Each child, grandchild, and great-grandchild will receive one as a remembrance. A Celebration of her life will be 10:30 a.m., Mon. Dec. 28, 2015, at the New Knoxville United Methodist Church, with Pastor Dennis Gaertner officiating. Burial will follow in the Greenlawn Cemetery, Wapakoneta. The family will receive friends at the church 4-7 p.m., Sun. and 1 hour prior to the service, Mon. Memorial contributions may be directed to the New Knoxville United Methodist Church.

Carol Jean Kruse

January 4, 1938 - December 20, 2015