Selma Cruise

A funeral Mass for Selma Cruise, of Welsey, will be held at 10 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 28, 2023, at Divine Mercy Parish - St. Joseph Catholic Church in Wesley. Visitation will take place from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 27, 2023, at Oakcrest Funeral Services in Wesley. A rosary will be recited at 3:30 PM prior to the visitation on Friday. Burial will take place at St. Joseph Catholic Cemetery in Wesley.

Selma Marie was born May 2, 1937, in Whittemore, to parents George and Sophia (Harms) Wichtendahl. She attended high school at the Whittemore Public High School. Selma developed her love for sports in high school before graduating in 1955. She then went onto work for Elk Cleaners in Algona.

Selma was united in marriage to Edward Cruise April 27, 1963, at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Wesley. She joined the Catholic church in 1963 and continued to grow in her faith as a member of the St. Joseph’s Parish. She was a proud member of the church and honored her calling to serve with her many years in the Catholic Daughters of Americas. She was then honored by the CDA by being elected Local Reagent for four years. She was also called to serve as a Hospice Volunteer, which gave her an immense sense of fulfillment.

Selma devoted her life to her husband, eight children, and the farm. She later was able to experience the joy of all of her grandchildren. She enjoyed reading, baseball, fishing, baking, and most of all gardening. She found happiness in her flowers and worked hours throughout the spring and summer perfecting her many flower beds.

Selma had a deep and strong faith. She was often found in the evenings praying with her blue tattered prayer book as she quietly talked to the Lord. She was her children’s first teacher of her faith, which has been her greatest gift to them.

Selma died October 23, 2023, at her beloved farm home with her husband of 60 years at her side. She was 86 years old.

Selma is survived by her husband Edward Cruise; children: John (Brenda) Cruise of Wesley, Denise (Jerry) Palmer of Aberdeen, North Carolina, James Cruise of Forest City, Ronald (Terri) Cruise of Waverly, Rachael (Jim) Cruise of Mason City, Sue Ann (Russell) McKernan of Granger, and Steven (Andrea) Cruise of Britt; 16 grandchildren; four great-grandchildren; two step-grandchildren; and sister Emogene Batt.

Selma was preceded in death by her son Dennis Cruise, parents George and Sophia, and nine brothers and sisters.

Online condolences may be made to oakcrestfuneralservices.com