Kruse

Hertha Annette (Friemel) Kruse passed away peacefully on Monday, April 20, 2026.

She is survived by her sister, Mannie Fritsch-Schmid of La Grange; one brother, Frank Friemel of Benton, Ark.; two granddaughters: Mandy Wheeler and husband, Lonnie of Jourdanton, and Chelsea Harvey of San Antonio; and her niece, Helen Craft Arnold of Austin.

She was preceded in death by her parents; son, Glen Urban; sister, Anita Craft; and four brothers: Herbert Friemel, Arthur Friemel, Henry Friemel, and Gus Friemel.

Hertha was born in La Grange on Jan. 11, 1931, the daughter of the late Frank and Nora (Stahmer) Friemel. Hertha was baptized in August of 1931, and confirmed on Nov. 5, 1944, at St. Peter Lutheran Church of Prairie Valley.

Hertha worked for the Fayette County Record and dedicated forty years as a loyal staff member.

She will be remembered as a woman of strong Christian faith. Hertha was a member of St. Paul Evangelical Lutheran Church of La Grange. She valued the importance of faith and family, and instilled those values to her precious family.

Hertha had a heart of gold, and could brighten any room up with her beautiful smile. She will be missed dearly by her family and friends, but her family does find comfort in knowing that she is at eternal rest.

A visitation was held on Wednesday, April 29, 2026, from 5-7 p.m. at Koenig-Belvill Funeral Home & Cremations. Family was present at this time to receive friends.

Funeral services were held held on Thursday, April 30, 2026, at 10 a.m. at St. Paul Evangelical Lutheran Church of La Grange. Burial followed at the La Grange City Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the charity of one’s choice.

Family and friends can view and sign the guestbook online at www.lagrangefunerals. com.

Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Koenig-Belvill Funeral Home & Cremations in La Grange.