Lenore Crouse

Lenore was born on April 9, 1923 in Lake Mary Township at home the daughter of Esther and Walter Ell. She was baptized, confirmed and a life long member of Zion Lutheran Church in Alexandria. Lenore graduated from Alexandria High School in 1941 and upon graduation enrolled in Glenwood Teachers training. The school closed shortly after her enrollment. Lenore then went to work at Montgomery Wards. In 1943, Lenore and three of her friends took the civil service test and acquired jobs in California. She attended Berkeley University taking night classes. On February 25, 1947, Lenore married Robert Crouse in Las Vegas. To this union four children were born. During her lifetime Lenore worked for several companies which included: Minnesota Natural Gas, Alex Light & Power, National Bushing, Coca Cola, Park Region Echo, and Douglas County Hospital. Part time jobs were: Cliff?s Little Store, Pete?s Super Value, Hillside Supper Club, American Legion, Elks Club, V.F.W. Club, Algon Ballroom, and Alexandria Golf Club. The VFW Auxiliary was a major part of Lenore?s life. She held various offices at the local, district, state and national level ? including forty-three years as Treasurer of Alexandria VFW Auxiliary. She was also involved in many area volunteer services such as a Charter member of Douglas Co. Cancer Society, Chair of United Fund, Daisy Volunteer at Douglas County Hospital, Alexandria City Council, Business & Professional Woman?s Club, American Legion Auxiliary, Senior Citizens Center and Douglas Co. Historical Society. Lenore died on Monday, November 1, 2010 at Knute Nelson in Alexandria at the age of 87 years old. She is survived by her four children: Richard (Dawn) Crouse of Alexandria, Linda (Tom) Gooden of Minneapolis, Donna (Mike) Podratz of Fargo, ND, Larry (Dee) Crouse of Alexandria; twelve grandchildren, seventeen great grandchildren, brother, Jim (Joanne) Brown of St. Paul. She was preceded in death by her parents: Esther & Walter; Robert Crouse. Funeral services were held on Saturday, November 6, 2010, at Zion Lutheran Church in Alexandria with the Reverend Terry Finnern and David Hinz officiating. Irma Brockberg was the organist and Jennifer Maloney was the soloist. Marge Van Gorp gave a eulogy. Interment was at the Kinkead Cemetery in Alexandria. Casket Bearers were Todd Crouse, Jeff Crouse, Joey Crouse, Jon Crouse, Steve Podratz, and Jim Gooden. Honorary Casket Bearers were Bruce Thorson, Tom Carlson, Curt Backlund, and Jerry Schoeneck. Arrangements are with the Anderson Funeral Home. www.andersonfuneral.net