Joan E. Kruse (nee Dettmann) went to her Eternal Glory on Friday, May 3, 2013 at the age of 70 years. She was born on March 18, 1943 in Milwaukee to Allen and Ethel (nee Connell) Dettmann. She married Norman Kruse on July 11, 1964. Joan, Norm, and the family established Pinewood Farm, LLC in Cedarburg in 1971, which is still in operation today.
Joan was also a master gardener and loved the outdoors. Her greatest joys were horseback riding, hiking, skiing, snowshoeing, and spending time with her family. Joan and Norm enjoyed Cowboy Mounted Shooting and were members of the CMSA for several years, and she was also a member of the Jackson Moonlighter's Snowmobile Club.
Joan was extremely active in the community and church. She was past Zone President of the South Wisconsin Lutheran Womens Missionary League (LWML) and a Past President of her congregation's LWML. She was very active in her church including the hand bell choir and created banners that hang in her church. Joan was also a member of the Wisconsin Rural Leadership Program.
Joan was a 4-H leader for over 30 years. She loved sharing her time and talents with the children. Joan taught riding lessons and summer horse camps for many years. She was also the founder of the 4-H State Gymkhana Horse Show, and she rode many times in the Great Circus Parade, in Milwaukee as the leader of the Patriotic Riding Unit. Joan was the horse and pony, sewing, and photography project leader for the Covered Bridge 4-H Club, and she founded the 4-H Radio Control Car Project. She also hosted many school children groups including the Girl Scouts to the farm for hay rides and farm tours.
Joan is survived by her husband Norm; children James (Mai-Nhia), JoEllen (John) Leow (nee Kruse), and John (Pamela); son-in-law Dan Aschebrook; and grandchildren Abeni and Caleb Aschebrook, Tyler Yang, Olivia Aschebrook, Garett Kruse, Joey Tarantino, Iysyn Thao, and Collin Kruse. She is further survived by her sister Suzanne Dettmann, brother Donald Dettmann, brother-in-law Dennis (JoAnne) Kruse, sister-in-law Sharon Schwanke, nephew Matthew (Alicia) Dettmann, and many other nieces, nephews, relatives, and dear friends. Joan was preceded in death by her daughter Debbie Aschebrook (nee Kruse); parents Allen and Ethel Dettmann; brother-in-law Bob Schwanke. Joan will also be missed by dog and trusted walking companion, Trigger.
Visitation will be from 4:00 PM until 7:00 PM on Friday, May 10, 2013 at the Phillip Funeral Home Chapel, 1420 W. Paradise Dr. in West Bend. Visitation will continue from 9:00 AM until 9:45 AM on Saturday, May 11, 2013 at St. John Lutheran Church, N665 Cty Rd S in New Fane and the funeral service will begin at 10:00 AM. Private burial will take place at St. John Lutheran Cemetery in New Fane. Memorials to St. John Lutheran Church appreciated.
The family wishes to extend a special Thank You to the staff at the Kramer Cancer Center in West Bend, Dr. Gary Herdrich, and Dr. Sailaja Kamaraju for their care and compassion for Joan. Also a special thank you to both Kris and Sally for all their help during this time.