Esther Kruckenberg

Esther Kruckenberg, 93, Mandan, passed away Tuesday, July 23, 2024 at Sunset Drive Prospera Community. Funeral services will be held on Monday, July 29 at 10:30 AM at Redeemer Lutheran Church in Mandan with Pastor Joshua Janke officiating. Visitation will be one hour prior to the funeral at the church. Burial will follow at Mandan Union Cemetery.

Esther was born September 13, 1930 in Hazen, ND to Edward and Ottilia (Maas) Mittelsteadt. She grew up on the farm near Hazen where she attended school. Soon after, she married Wilmer Kruckenberg. They had a few homes before settling in Mandan where they have lived since 1965.

Esther loved working in her yard, gardening and quilting, all of which she did into her 90’s. In her younger years her and Wilmer enjoyed going camping, shooting archery and playing pool at the Stanton Pool Hall which Wilmer owned and operated for some time. She was a wonderful cook and baker, her family all raved about her homemade caramel rolls. Her house was always so tidy and clean. She would be in the middle of a conversation and cleaning at the same time! Esther went 100 mph everywhere she went; her kids could never keep up with her at the grocery store!

Most of all she was such a giving woman, she put all others before herself and family always came first.

Esther will be dearly missed by her children: Linda Harm, Wayne Kruckenberg, Rick (Debbie) Kruckenberg and Ron (Kathy) Kruckenberg, all of Bismarck/Mandan; six grandchildren, 11 great-grandchildren and two great great-grandchildren along with two brothers; Gordon and Roy (Pat) Mittelsteadt.

She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, Wilmer in 2013 and 10 siblings.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to Redeemer Lutheran Church in Mandan.