On January 4, 2012, Roberta Charlene (Char) Kruse (74) passed away peacefully at the Big Sky
Care Center in Helena. Born to Howard and Margaret (Schreiner) Kruse on January 27, 1937 in
Townsend, MT and remained there until she moved to Helena in 1950. She graduated from
Helena High School with the class of 1955.
Immediately after graduation from high school, Char began her career with the State of Montana, working for the Montana Highway Patrol. While employed with the MHP she became a communication’s dispatcher and continued in this position for 30 years. She retired in 1986. She wasn’t happy being idol, so she went back to work part time for the MHP for another 10 years and then retired permanently.
Char never had children of her own but always said her nieces and nephews were her kids. She always went to their school programs and sports activities in which they were involved and she was very proud of their accomplishments. She was family oriented, loved the large family dinners, playing cards and just visiting.
In her younger years she played women’s fastpitch softball. Her favorite position was 3rd base. She was drafted by Arizona Ramblers to play semi-pro softball in Arizona. It was not her desire to leave the beautiful state of Montana, so she graciously declined. In 2009 she was inducted into the Helena Sports Hall of Fame as a team member of the Freezers women’s fastpitch softball league.
Char was an avid bowler and a member of the Big 12 + 4 league for many years. She enjoyed fishing, camping, and family gatherings. She was baptized and confirmed into the Episcopal Church.
Even though Char was disabled and in poor health in her later years, she was always cheerful and full of life. She could joke, tease, and have fun with her caregivers. She will be missed by all who knew and loved her.
She is survived by her brother Clifford (Jean) Kruse, their son and daughter, Dan (Mary) Kruse and Linda (Leon) Uzelac; sister Myrna Morrissey, her sons Jerry Morrissey and Tom (Annette) Morrissey; sister Karyl (Vernon) Williams, their children Shelly (Dan) Burns, Jayne (Sean) McLaughlin, Vince (Kim) Williams as well as numerous great and great-great nieces and nephews. Also a special person who was there for her during her times of need, her nephew-in-law Thane Hatch, and special friends Butch and Fran Condon.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Howard and Margaret Kruse; brother-in-law, Gerald Morrissey; nephew, Patrick Kelly Kruse; great niece, Athena Dawn Morrissey.
The family would like to thank the caregivers at Big Sky Care Center, St Peters Hospice, and Rocky Mountain Hospice for all of their compassion and help with Char.
A celebration of Char’s life will be held Thursday, January 12, 2012 at 10:30 a.m. at Retz Funeral Home Chapel with The Very Rev. Heidi Kinner of St. Peter’s Episcopal Cathedral officiating. Cremation has taken place.
A gathering of friends and family will take place immediately following the services, in the basement of the VFW Post 10010, 117 Main Street in East Helena.
In honor of Char, memorials may be sent to the Montana Hope Project, PO Box 5927, Helena, MT 59604 or a memorial of donor’s choice. To offer a condolence or share a memory of Char, please visit: www.retzfuneralhome.com.
Service Schedule
Service Schedule
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Dutch Meyer says
Lots of good memories and laughs down in dispatch.
R.I.P.
Rosie Robinson says
Jean and family. I was saddened to read about Charlene’s passing. I have known her for many many years. Shw was quite the gal. I know she loved her family and the children that she babysat though out the years. She will be missed. Thouths and prayers are with all of you.
Charles Schreiner says
So sad to lose Char.
Carol Schreiner March says
My prayers are with you all. Wish I could be there with you. Love, Carol
Charlie Larson says
Rest in peace Char. You will be missed. Have many memories of you and Butch at the Highway Patrol Dispatch.
Jeff Mount MHP-165 retired says
Rest easy Char. I know that Heaven is in good hands, as the Lord has a great Dispatcher now! We had some great times in dispatch with Butch, Charlie and Dutch. My sympathies to your family.
Bruce Coccoli says
Char, if there is a dispatch center in heaven to direct the angles activities you are certainly there! You will be greatly missed and thank you for the times and training with Butch, Mitzi, and I(the greenhorn) during my cadet year and MHP career. God Bless!
Deb Gee says
I can still see them sitting at the table at Gordon and DeeDee’s house so many years ago. I’m sure they are all up there drinking coffee and talking about the stupid shit we are doing Love you all and miss the ones that are gone. Deb