Ilona Lucinda Kruse, age five and a half, passed away in the loving arms of her parents on June 6, 2026, at Children’s Hospital in Omaha, Nebraska, following complications from a heart condition.
Ilona was born on June 22, 2020, at Avera McKennan Hospital to her adoring parents, Max Kruse and Jessica Leffers Kruse.
Ilona had an enormous personality and carried herself with the confidence and dignity of someone well beyond her years. She was the perfect combination of sweet and spicy, loving fiercely and showing enormous empathy, but very willing to express her opinions and needs. Ilona articulated these things with a colorful and prodigious vocabulary. She felt things deeply, and everything she did, she did with purpose. She walked with her signature strut, with her long, beautiful hair swinging behind her. Ilona made a point of greeting anyone she passed in the school hallway and had a way of ensuring everyone was included and felt welcome. Her presence was impossible to miss, especially her voice, which could carry through brick walls. Ilona was absolutely hilarious, and not a day would go by without her making her parents laugh.
Ilona was a kindergartener at Pettigrew and “was a teacher’s dream to have in class”. As one of the youngest kids in her class, she excelled academically and was always willing to help her teacher and classmates. Ilona was a talented and passionate gymnast, training in the developmental program at All American Gymnastics. Her energy and imagination came through in her love of singing and dancing, even in her own little songs. She loved cruising around on her scooter, drawing with sidewalk chalk, and swimming. She loved to dance and was an enthusiastic team member of the Diamonds class at Champion Legacy Dance Academy.
More than anything, Ilona adored her big brother, Jameson. As an infant, Jameson was the only person who could elicit an ear-to-ear smile from her. If he wasn’t in the room, one of her first questions was always, “Where’s Jameson?” The two were inseparable and constantly in cahoots. Since they were so close in age, they could participate in many activities together, such as swimming lessons and gymnastics. Ilona made sure to let everyone know that Jameson was her big brother. Of all the roles Ilona cherished, being Jameson’s little sister was her favorite.
Ilona was preceded in death by her beloved grandmother, Denise Kruse, who loved her dearly and was an active part of her life.
Ilona is survived by her devoted parents, Jessica Leffers Kruse and Maxwell Kruse, and her beloved brother, Jameson Kruse. She is also survived by many family members and friends whose lives are forever changed by knowing and loving her.
Ilona embodied the spirit of Shakespeare’s words, “And though she be but little, she is fierce,” in everything she did. The void she leaves behind is immeasurable, but her spirit and energy live on in everyone she met.
In lieu of flowers, the family is asking for your support during this incredibly difficult time. Any donation, no matter the amount, will help ease the financial strain on the family and allow them to focus on healing and honoring the beautiful life of their child. For donations, please click on the following link: GoFundMe Support for the Kruse Family.
A memorial service to celebrate Ilona’s life will be held at 10:30 AM on Saturday, June 20, 2026. A visitation for friends and family will begin at 9:30 AM at Miller Westside Chapel, located at 6200 W. 41st Street, Sioux Falls, South Dakota 57106.
Ilona’s Memorial Service will be livestreamed to Miller Funeral Home’s YouTube page. For those who cannot attend in person and would like to participate in the livestream, please click on the following link: Ilona’s Celebration of Life Livestream Link.
Celebrate a life with the whole community in The Dakota Scout. Contact obits@thedakotascout.com to have your loved one remembered today.