Jean Kruse

Jean Kruse, of O'Hara Twp., formerly Davenport, IA, passed away on Monday, May 11, 2026. After many years of doggedly soaking up everything life had to offer, she met her final end surrounded by family at UPMC St. Margaret at the age of 95.

Born on March 27, 1931 at Mercy Hospital in Chicago, Jean was the sixth of eight children and the older twin of her brother Jim by several minutes. In her childhood she saw The Great Depression, World War II, and the death of her father, when she was 13 years old. A graduate of Immaculate Conception Academy, Jean worked as a comptroller for the Oscar Mayer Company for five years until she married Jack Kruse in 1953. She then chose to set aside her professional ambitions for a more noble calling: raising a family. Together, Jean and Jack had five children.

Throughout her life, Jean devoted most of her time to her family. That dedication to family didn’t waiver as she added the titles of grandmother and great-grandmother. With a yappy shi tzu in the backseat and an audiobook at the ready, Jean spent much of her time on the road in a little Hyundai, driving countless hours to attend family gatherings and dote on her grandchildren, who adored her. They will all carry their own special memories of time spent with Grandma Jean for the rest of their lives. 

With 100% Irish blood in her veins, Jean was a devoted Catholic who never missed weekly mass. In Davenport, she chaired numerous fundraising events for the Mercy Hospital Auxiliary and set several donation records. 

She loved playing cards, drinking Manhattans, and reading good books. She traveled the world and always embraced the opportunity for a new experience. She greeted every family member with a hug and a kiss on the cheek,  all while being the wittiest one in the room. She will be missed dearly.

Jean is survived by her five children. Joe (Barb Hallberg) of La Crosse, WI, Mike (Patti Walker) of Dubuque, IA, Kathleen Miclot of Pittsburgh, PA, John of Lenexa KS, and Tim (Susan Ulrich) of Venice, FL.  Jean also had 13 grandchildren and 14 great-grandchildren. She was the last remaining member of her family of origin. While this was not her name in life, Mary Jean was the name on her birth certificate.

Jean’s family would like to offer their heartfelt gratitude to the Lighthouse Point residents and staff. Jean treasured the six and a half years she lived there.

The family is requesting memorials be sent to Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Pittsburgh.

The family will receive friends on Friday, May 15th from 2-4 & 6-8 p.m. at the Weddell-Ajak Funeral Home, 100 Center Avenue, Aspinwall, where a parting prayer will be held Saturday, May 16th at 9:30 A.M., followed by a Christian Funeral Mass at 10 a.m. at Christ the King Parish, St. Scholastica Church, 309 Brilliant Ave. Aspinwall. Entombment will follow at St. Mary Cemetery, O'Hara Twp.

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