Kruckenberg, Ruth

Ruth Kruckenberg, 81, passed away Friday, Sept. 10, 2010, from complications of Alzheimer's disease at her residence, Silvercrest of Anamosa. She lived most of her life in Keystone and Marion, Iowa. Ruth was born July 27, 1929, in Keystone, to Harry and Irene (Schuldt) Junge.

Ruth was a loving mother to Dan (Helen) Schmuecker of Ipswich, England, Dennis (Ellen) Schmuecker of Marion, Doug (Julie) Schmuecker of Denver, Colo., and Loretta (Terry) Brickley of Anamosa. She was a wonderful and loving grandmother to Emma and Katie Schmuecker of England, Lora and Matt Schmuecker of Marion, Rob and Nick Schmuecker of Denver, Colo., Jack Brickley of Center Junction and Steve (Ashley) Brickley of Waterloo.

She was stepmother and friend to Linda (Duane) Yuska of Fishers, Ind., Gene (Patti) Kruckenberg of Cedar Rapids and Pam (Virgil) Vranek of Chelsea; and many stepgrandchildren. Also surviving are a brother, Dale (Marilyn) Junge, Cedar Rapids; nephew, David (Mary) Junge, Cedar Rapids; great-nephew, Matt Junge, Cedar Rapids; and niece, Diane Kelley, Cedar Rapids.

She was preceded in death by three husbands, Joe Schmuecker, Jack Whittlesey and Leon Kruckenberg; and her parents, Harry and Irene (Schuldt) Junge.

Ruth was a member of St. John Lutheran Church in Keystone, where she volunteered and sang in the church choir for many years. She loved playing cards, visiting with friends and family.

SERVICES: 1 p.m. Monday, Sept. 13, at Ascension Lutheran Church, Marion, by the Rev. Linda Livingston. The family will greet friends from 2 to 5 p.m. Sunday at Murdoch Funeral Home & Cremation Center, Marion, and one hour before the service at the church on Monday. Burial: Oak Shade Cemetery, Marion.

Ruth's family would like to thank the staff at Silvercrest of Anamosa, St. Luke's Hospice and Dr. Kilburg for the wonderful care and compassion provided to her during her illness / or her stay at Silvercrest.

Please sign the online guest book for Ruth at  under obituaries.