Laverne Kruse

LaVerne Marie Dixon Kruse, 88, of Boise, passed away August 29, 2012, at Overland Court Senior Living Center in Boise. LaVerne was born September 12, 1923, in the New Sweden area of Idaho Falls to Walter Ellsworth Dixon and Grace Violet Clark Dixon. She attended New Sweden Elementary, O.E. Bell Junior High School, and Idaho Falls High School. She later attended the University of Utah, where she earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Education and the University of Idaho, where she earned her Masters Degree in Education. On June 21, 1947, she married Joe Kruse of Swan Valley at her parents home in New Sweden. After they were married they both attended the University of Idaho and moved to Swan Valley, where they had a small cattle place. Joe worked as an engineer and surveyor on the Palisades Dam. LaVerne worked for the Swan Valley School District, taught piano, and gave birth to their four children. After the completion of the dam, Joe started work with the U.S. Soil Conservation Service in Idaho Falls. In 1960 they moved to Idaho Falls. LaVerne taught piano for five more years before her 1966 certification and employment as a school counselor. She continued with Clair E. Gale Junior High School for twenty-two years until her retirement. LaVerne was an active member of the First Presbyterian Church and was a member of the Swan Valley American Legion Auxiliary. She enjoyed participating as a piano accompanist, teaching music, scenic care rides and was always empathetic and helpful to other people. Survivors include: Son, Jon (Lori) Kruse of Swan Valley, ID; Daughter, Corinne (Mark) Matthews of Boise, ID, Daughter, Natalie Kruse of Swan Valley, ID, Daughter, Kelly (Lee) Wilcox of Jackson, WY; Brother, Don (Georgia) Dixon of New Sweden, ID; Grandsons, Lael Matthews and Luke Matthews of Boise, ID, Travis (Kat) Wilcox of Ashburn, VA, Jesse (Leah) Wilcox of Victor, ID, and Cody Kruse of Swan Valley, ID, Granddaughters, Amber Matthews of Kirkland, WA, April Knecht of Kailua-Kona, HI, Bailey Wilcox Godfrey of Annapolis, MD, Kimberly Kruse (Miguel) Hernandes of Salem, OR, and 8 great grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband, Joe Kruse, and her parents, Walter Ellsworth Dixon and Grace Violet Dixon. Funeral Services will be held at 11:00 a.m. Friday, September 14, 2012, at Wood Funeral Home, 273 North Ridge Avenue. The family will visit with friends from 10:00 to 10:45 a.m. at Wood Funeral Home. Burial will be in Rose Hill Cemetery.

Funeral Services -- Friday

11:00 a.m. ,Friday, September 14, 2012 Wood Funeral Home 273 North Ridge Avenue Idaho Falls, ID 83402 Notes: The family will visit with friends from 10:00 to 10:45 a.m. at Wood Funeral Home. Burial will be in Rose Hill Cemetery.