Eileen Kruse
Midway, IL | Save
Eileen D. Kruse, 94, of Midway, entered into Heaven to be with her Lord and Savior on Friday, May 29, 2026, at Hitz Memorial Home in Alhambra, IL.
She was born on January 8, 1932, in Fosterburg, IL, the daughter of Edgar and Eula (Hermann) Feilbach. Eileen married Henry Kruse in Fosterburg on June 24, 1950. He preceded her in death on February 27, 2020.
Eileen worked as the Head Cook for the Edwardsville School District for 17 years before retiring. She was multitalented, and honed new skills through every season of her life. She enjoyed bird watching, crocheting, sewing, growing and canning her own vegetables on the farm she and her husband owned, and traveling to visit family members. She was a gifted pianist and vocalist, singing at many church services, funerals, and weddings throughout the years. Eileen passed her skills onto a new generation by teaching piano to young students for many years. But above all, her greatest joy in life was spending time surrounded by her family. Her positivity and good nature will be deeply missed by all who knew her.
Survivors include her children, Judy (Lawrence) Henschen of Alhambra, CoAnn Connoyer of Midway, Michael (Vicki) Kruse of Midway, Donna (Jim) Stack of Alhambra; nine grandchildren and their spouses; and twenty-two great grandchildren; as well as several much loved nieces, nephews, brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law.
Along with her parents and husband, Henry, she was preceded in death by a son and daughter-in-law, Rick and Gail Kruse; a son-in law, Dan Connoyer; a granddaughter, Kimberly Stack; and a great grandson, Tyler Verson.
Visitation will be held on Friday, June 5, 2026, from 4pm to 7pm at St. John's UCC in Midway. A second visitation will be held on Saturday, June 6, 2026, at the church, from 9:30am until time of service at 10:30 am. Burial will follow at Rose Lawn Memory Gardens in Bethalto. Elias, Kallal and Schaaf Funeral Home in Bethalto is in charge of arrangements.
Memorials are suggested to St. John's UCC Midway or Hitz Memorial Home in Alhambra.
Online condolences and guestbook may be found at www.eliaskallalandschaaf.com.
Elias, Kallal & Schaaf Funeral Home
