Elaine M. Kruszka

Elaine M. Kruszka, age 94, of Brown Deer, passed away peacefully on Friday, June 19, 2020.

Elaine was born on February 4, 1926, in Two Rivers, the daughter of the late Emanuel and Marie (nee Laurent) Ruelle.  She graduated high school in 1944 and soon moved to Washington D.C. to begin a career with the FBI.  From there she would eventually transfer to their Milwaukee, Wisconsin office.  She received many accommodations and recognitions for her work.

On July 8, 1950 she was united in marriage to the love of her life, Gilbert Kruszka, in Two Rivers, Wisconsin. In 1951 she left her position with the FBI to start a family and spent the next twenty years raising her children.  In 1971, Elaine returned to service work as the Secretary to the Brown Deer Police Chief retiring in 1994. The Lord took Gilbert home on August 16, 1994. 

Elaine was a living example of kindness and compassion.  She lived a faithful life following God and doing good work for others.  She continued to volunteer her time at Our Lady of Good Hope Catholic Church, where she was a member, and was a steward to His word.

Elaine was a loving Wife, Mother and Grandmother.  Those she leaves behind to cherish her memory include her six children, Gregory (Josephine) Kruszka, Dianne (Tom) Oas, Mary Beth (Richard) Woleben, Jane (Peter) Gensler, Jeffrey (Debbi) Kruszka, Gary (Gretchen) Kruszka; Twelve grandchildren, Bryan (Amy) Kruszka, Andrea (Chris) Peters, Kristin Oas (special friend Brent Williams), James Oas, Lisa (Chad) Chenoweth, Amy (Ken) Madson, Eric (Kate) Woleben, Emilee (Dave) Lindner, Kelsee (Jacob) Stellpflug, Tyler Kruszka (Fiancé Kim Kay), Whitney (Steve) Volm, and Jordyn (Kyle) Kopplin; fifteen great-grandchildren; two brothers, Arnold Ruelle and Ronald (Ann) Ruelle; nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

In addition to her husband Gilbert, Elaine was preceded in death by her sister and brother in law, Marion and William Ahearn and her sister in-law, Judy Ruelle.

A private Mass of Christian Burial for Elaine will be held at St. Michael Catholic Church (8883 Forest View Road, Kewaskum) in St. Michaels.  Rev. Neil Zinthefer will officiate, and burial will follow in the parish cemetery.  A public memorial service will be held at a later date to be announced.

The Myrhum – Patten Funeral Home has been entrusted with Elaine’s arrangements.  Additional information and guest book may be found at www.myrhum-patten.com.

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