Vera Kruckenberg, 92, passed away peacefully in her home on April 8, 2021, in Great Bend, Kan. Vera was born to Harold and Mabel (Gibson) Easley on July 22, 1928, in rural Greenwood County, Kan., and spent most of her years growing up in Lyons, Kan. After graduating from high school, she moved to Great Bend to work at Wadell Electric Company.
On Sept. 12, 1948, she was joined in marriage to Kenneth Kruckenberg. The couple moved to his family farm west of Great Bend where they lived until his early death in 1969.
Vera then moved into Great Bend and worked for Barton County in both the Treasurer’s Office and Appraiser’s Office until her retirement. She was a strong woman as she continued to do a wonderful job raising her three children.
She was a member of Trinity Lutheran Church, an avid Royals fan and enjoyed watching “Jeopardy” and “Wheel of Fortune.”
She is survived by her three children, Connie Karlin, Great Bend, Sherry Keil (Larry), Durango, Colo., and Jay Kruckenberg (Suzy), Mooreland, Okla.; six grandchildren; two great-granddaughters; and a sister, Phyllis Gantz, Omaha, Neb. She was preceded in death by her parents; three brothers; her husband, Kenny; and her long-time friend and companion, Rodger Rowland who brought years of happiness to her life.
Visitation will be at Bryant Funeral Home on Sunday, April 11, 2021, from 1 to 9 p.m., with the family receiving friends from 4 to 6 p.m. that evening. A graveside service will be held at 10:30 a.m., Monday, April 12, 2021, at the Great Bend Cemetery, with Pastor Barbara Jones officiating. In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials to Golden Belt Home Health & Hospice, in care of the funeral home.
The family would like to thank Dr. Jeffrey Brozek for his many years of care and Vera’s caregiver, Falisha Simpson for the exceptional and compassionate care she gave to Vera over the past year, which allowed Vera to remain in her home.
Condolences may be sent and notice viewed at www.bryantfh.net.
Funeral arrangements provided by
Bryant Funeral Home
1425 Patton Road
Great Bend, KS 67530
Great Bend (Kan.) Tribune, April 9, 2021