Marian L Kruse, 96, of Rapid City, SD, died December 22, 2023 at her assisted living home.

Marian was born on September 26, 1927, at White, SD, the eleventh of twelve children born of D.H. (Ted) and Emma (Bolgrin) Schmidt.  She grew up on their farm in Brookings County, attending rural school in Oaklake Township and White High School during all of WWII. Following high school graduation, she studied at General Beadle Teacher's College at Madison, SD, and Black Hills State, Spearfish. She began teaching school at the age of 17 in Afton Township, followed by Oaklake and Meade County schools.

Marian was united in marriage to Raymond Kruse on November 14, 1948, in Estelline, SD.  They lived in various cities in the Black Hills when he was employed by Lampert Lumber Company.  They moved to Rapid City in 1953, where Ray worked for Robbins and Stearns Lumber Co.  Marian and Ray were blessed with five children: Janet, Dan, James, Carol, and Robert. Marian raised her children and volunteered at Annie Tallent Grade School, and then returned to work in 1978 as a pharmacy clerk at St John's Hospital in Rapid City.  She was instrumental in opening the new pharmacy when it moved to the current location at Monument Health.  Marian was a cheerful person, enjoyed telling jokes, and looked forward to her weekly visit with her friends for Taco Tuesday.  She enjoyed travel, reading, sewing, square dancing, Bible study, growing flowers, and spending time with her friends.  She was a member of Peace Lutheran Church.

Survivors include three children: Dan (Patricia) Kruse; Carol (William) Coburn; and Robert (Tammi) Kruse; nine grandchildren: Adam Kruse, Nicholas (Ashley) Kruse, Lisa (Cameron) Engle, Christi (Will) Uban, Brian Coburn, Kerri (Trevor) Kautzman, Kyle Kruse, Alexis (Tyler) Davis, and Brandon Kruse; and 11 great-grandchildren. She is also survived by one brother, Bill Schmidt, of Rapid City. She was preceded in death by her parents; eight sisters and two brothers; her infant daughter, Janet; and son, James; and her husband, Ray.

Private family interment will take place at Black Hills National Cemetery, Sturgis.

Celebration of Life will be held at 10:00 a.m. Monday, July 8, 2024 at Osheim & Schmidt Funeral Home.