Ellen Joan Kruse

Ellen Joan (Brasel) Kruse, 81, of Moorhead, MN, passed away on Friday, February 28, 2025, in Perley, MN, with her family by her side.

Ellen was born at home on November 27, 1943, to Carl and Edna (Hertwig) Brasel, in Blanchard, ND. She grew up in Blanchard, ND, Amenia, ND, and Glyndon, MN, where she attended and graduated from Glyndon-Felton-Dilworth High School. After her graduation, she moved to the Moorhead area where she worked at a local bank as a bank teller. She met Robert Kruse while she was at work, and he asked her out while dressed in his full military uniform. They were united in marriage on May 8, 1965.

Ellen and Robert stayed in the Moorhead area where Ellen continued working as a teller until her son was born. She began her new job as a stay at home mom, raising her two children. After her children were old enough, she started working as a teller at a local Holiday gas station until a neighbor suggested a job at Clay County Social Services. She began her work there as a social worker where she eventually retired.

Ellen enjoyed the occasional trip to the casino and sharing a good laugh with a family member or a friend. She also enjoyed watching crime stories and cop shows on the television. Above all, she loved spending time with her family.

Ellen is survived by her children, Jason (Ann) Kruse and Rachele (Brad) Hammond; grandchildren, Ethan Kruse, Kimberly (Austin) Baril, and Jordan (Kirah) Rosdahl; 4 great-grandchildren; brother, Dennis (Vicky) Brasel; and many other loving relatives and friends. She is preceded in death by her husband, Robert, and her parents, Carl and Edna.

Visitation will be from 10:00 A.M. to 11:00 A.M., followed by the memorial service at 11:00 A.M., Thursday, March 20, 2025, at Wright Funeral Home, Moorhead, MN.