Sister Bertha Kruse, OSF

Sister Bertha (Donna Mae) Kruse, OSF, passed away on Saturday March 15, 2025 at the Clare House.

The Mass of Christian Burial will be held at Clare House Chapel, Mount St. Francis Center at 1:00 p.m. Wednesday, March 19, 2025. Guests unable to attend may participate via livestream at: www.youtube.com/dubuquefranciscans. Burial will be in Mount Calvary Cemetery. Leonard Funeral Home & Crematory, 2595 Rockdale Road, is in charge of arrangements.

Sister Bertha was born on January 8, 1939 in Petersburg, Iowa, the daughter of Emil and Hyacinth (Bruggemann) Kruse. She entered the Sisters of St. Francis September 3, 1960 and made final profession of vows August 12, 1968. She ministered in Iowa at Briar Cliff College, Sioux City; St. Mary’s Convent, Remsen; Immaculate Conception Convent, Holy Family Hall Infirmary, and Mount St. Francis, all in Dubuque. 

Sister is survived by her brothers: Gene (Betty) Kruse, Fr. Phil Kruse, and Al (Wendy) Kruse; sisters-in-law: Joanne Kruse and Angie Kruse; nieces, nephews, and her Franciscan sisters.  

She was preceded in death by her parents and brothers, Martin Kruse and Pat Kruse.

Memorials may be given to the Sisters of St. Francis, 3390 Windsor Ave., Dubuque, IA.
 

To send flowers to the family, please visit our floral store.