Denise Kruse, 71, passed away on Thursday, December 18, 2025, at Avera McKennan Hospital in Sioux Falls, surrounded by her children and husband. Memorial services will be held at 11:00 am, Tuesday, December 23, 2025, at Miller Funeral Home - Southside Chapel (7400 S. Minnesota Ave., Sioux Falls). The family will greet friends for visitation from 5:00 - 7:00 pm, Monday, December 22, 2025, also at the funeral home.

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Denise was born in Sioux Falls, SD, to Lester Wallenberg and Delores Halverson on August 1st, 1954. She was a graduate of Lincoln High School, Class of 1972, and attended Black Hills College.

On June 27, 1976, she married Duane Kruse. In the early days of marriage, Denise and Duane were frequent travelers both locally and internationally, traveling as far as California and New Zealand. They loved to explore and even dabbled in riding motorcycles. They built homes together in Sioux Falls, SD;  Willmar, MN; St Cloud, MN, and Evergreen, CO. While building homes, they always dreamed of having a big family, and eventually welcomed and raised six children.

Denise primarily identified as being a mom. She lived her life for her kids, and everyone who knew Denise knew her kids. Her children were her world. She didn't just support them; she fought for them and sacrificed for them. Her love wasn't quiet. It was steady, present, and deeply felt.

In recent years, Denise showed her love through action. She was an active member of an advocacy group called Common Grounds Indivisible. They liked to call her "Good Trouble", "such an organizer," and "a passionate warrior". Through this group, she frequently donated to local organizations, attended protests, and, frankly, yelled about things that were important to her. "She wanted to fix this world for her precious grandkids," said one member of the group.

Denise also read constantly, loved a good podcast, and always had something new she was learning (like the Ukelele!). She believed in growth. She played piano, quilted, knitted, made a scrapbook for every occasion, and baked the best chocolate chip cookies. She loved getting coffee with her friends and going for a long walk. She spoiled her grandkids with brownies, movies, and pool time. She decorated for every holiday and occasionally got caught up in a collector's frenzy (RIP Santa Bears and Beanie Babies).  She now has three French bulldogs, whom she was rarely seen without - Daisy, Poppy, and Tulip - and was unapologetically obsessed.

Denise had a fulfilled life that ended too soon. She is survived by her husband, Duane Kruse; her sister, Deb Wallenberg (Jim Understock); her six children, Adam Kruse (Erin), Tyler Kruse, Carly Kruse (Mark Sullivan), Audrey Kruse, Max Kruse (Jessica), and Molly Hoffman (Paul Hoffman); 8 grandchildren, Kennady, Logan, Sam, Roslyn, Jameson, Ilona, Finn, and Seneca - who brought her immense pride and joy.

In lieu of flowers, please donate to the following organization: Feeding South Dakota