Cover photo for Elmer Kruize's Obituary
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1931 Elmer 2021

Elmer Kruize

October 14, 1931 — December 4, 2021

Fridley

Kruize, Elmer P., at age 90, passed away on December 4, 2021, at Mercy Hospital – Unity Campus in Fridley, Minnesota.

Elmer was born in Elbow Lake, Minnesota to Harm and Amelia Kruize. He grew up with two brothers, Henry and Vernon and sister, Alice. He learned the meaning of hard work while helping his father and mother on the farm. He also attended and graduated from Elbow Lake High School.

Thereafter, Elmer left to serve four years in the United States Air Force at Lackland  Air Force Base in San Antonio, Texas. While in the Air Force, he met and married his sweetheart, Irene.

After his military duty, he and Irene returned to Minnesota. He began working in Minneapolis at a naval missile plant. He worked there for ten years before being laid off. He then decided to go to truck driving school. After finishing his training, he was called back to his original job but Elmer decided to take his chance at driving one of those big semi-trucks. Even though it was a challenge to him, he stuck it out. After thirty years of dedication and hard work of truck driving, with the majority of those years at Midwest Motor Express, he decided to retire.

Elmer, with Irene, had a family including two children, son, Gregory and a daughter, Connie. They lost their son to leukemia at the age of twelve.

Elmer really enjoyed outdoor fishing, deer hunting, and camping with family and friends. Mille Lacs Lake was his favorite lake to fish, as it could be a challenge. Elmer, also, really enjoyed watching and listening to sports, especially football, baseball, and basketball. He was an avid Vikings, Twins, and Timberwolves fan.

Elmer also liked to travel with his family, enjoyed music and working in his vegetable garden. Many family and friends knew him for playing his harmonica. He also enjoyed playing the electric keyboard and accordion.

Elmer is survived by Irene, his beloved wife, whom he was married to, for 67 years, his daughter, Connie; his sister, Alice Anderson; many relatives and good friends. He is preceded in death by his parents, his son, Greg, at age 12, and his brothers, Henry and Vernon.

Memorial Service 10AM Thursday, December 16th at Miller Funeral Home, 6210 Hwy 65 NE, Fridley, Minnesota (763-571-1300) with 9AM visitation one hour prior to service and a luncheon at 11am when the service concludes. Officiating Clergy is Rev. David Ostrowski from St. Williams Parish, Fridley. Interment is 1PM Thursday at Fort Snelling National Cemetery, 7601 34th Avenue S, Minneapolis (612-726-1127)

"Per family's request, masks are required."

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Service Schedule

Past Services

Visitation

Thursday, December 16, 2021

9:00 - 10:00 am (Central time)

Miller Funeral Home & Crematory

6210 Hwy 65 NE, Fridley, MN 55432

Enter your phone number above to have directions sent via text. Standard text messaging rates apply.

Funeral Service

Thursday, December 16, 2021

Starts at 10:00 am (Central time)

Miller Funeral Home & Crematory

6210 Hwy 65 NE, Fridley, MN 55432

Enter your phone number above to have directions sent via text. Standard text messaging rates apply.

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