Sheila R. Cruse

May 12, 1963 - November 4, 2025

HIAWATHA – Sheila Rae Cruse, 62 years old of Hiawatha, IA, died Tuesday, November 4, 2025, at her home.

A Celebration of Sheila’s life will be held 1:00 p.m., Saturday, November 8, 2025, at Christian Life Church, 2808 Schaeffer Drive SW, in Cedar Rapids, IA.  A memorial fund will be established later.

Sheila will be interred near her parents and other family members at Colfax Center Presbyterian Church Cemetery in rural Holland, IA.

Sheila was born May 12, 1963, in Grundy County, Iowa, the daughter of Wendell Wayne Venenga and Norma Jeanne (Walton) Venenga.  She graduated from Aplington High School in Aplington, IA.  She went on to earn her criminal justice degree at Hawkeye Institute of Technology in Waterloo, IA, and pursued her police officer career, which lasted twenty five years.  In 1980, she was united in marriage to Rod Kolder at Stout, IA.  They later divorced.  On March 4, 2005, she married Ian Michael Cruse in Cedar Rapids.  She was employed as a police officer by the Cedar Rapids Police Department.  Sheila loved Jesus, loved people and was passionate about her work and family.

Sheila is survived by her husband, Ian Cruse of Hiawatha; a son and daughter in law, Travis (Christy) Kolder of Cedar Rapids; a daughter, Trista Kolder of Green Cove Springs, FL; five grandchildren, Ariel, Joel, Noah, Moriah and Korah Kolder.

She was preceded in death by her parents; an infant brother, Wendell Venenga, Jr.; and a sister, Wendy Peña.

White Funeral Home of Independence and Jesup, Iowa, assisted the family with arrangements.