William B. Kruger

William “Bill” Bryan Kruger, age 92, passed away at his home in Cambridge, surrounded by family on May 13, 2019, losing his battle to cancer.  Bill was born in St. Elmo, IL on August 21, 1926 to Albert M. and Jesse (Blair) Kruger.

Bill married Betty L. Marshall on February 13, 1965.  This union brought together eight children and their spouse, and over 60 grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great-grandchildren. A wealth of extended family, nieces, nephews, friends and church family.

A man with a wealth of knowledge and creative mind.  Bill was a welder by trade.  He enjoyed being with family outdoors, boating, camping, fishing, hunting, laughing and gardening.  Bill kept busy with his hands and mind.  He enjoyed making salsa, bread, wine canning and growing a lot of onions in his garden.  He was a craftsman with wood, making guitars, small tables and  curio cabinets that will be passed down through generations.

He passed the value of an honest day’s work, a sense of humor, appreciation of a sunrise, sunset, the warmth of the sun and a gentle falling rain.  The love of a bird’s song, and a restful night’s sleep during an old fashion thunderstorm.  He attributed his long and full life of love and strength to his partner in life, his wife Betty of 56 years.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Albert M. and Jesse Kruger; two children, Albert L. “Bud” Kruger and Alberta Hannah; one grandchild, Tammy Hobbs; three great-grandchildren, Sean Allen, Christopher Kruger and Christopher Hampton; brother, Albert F. “Bud” Kruger; sisters, Juanita Hood and Rachel Ervin.

Bill is survived by his wife Betty; children, William “Joe" and wife Pam Kruger, Betty “Tootie” Denton, Cindy Knifley and Wade Free, Gary and wife Jimai Kruger, Ron and wife Linda Kruger, Annette and husband Bill Newcomb; daughter-in-law, Roberta Kruger; and son-in-law, Bill Hannah.

Memorial services will be held on Monday, May 20, 2019 at 10:00 AM at the Calvary Baptist Church in Cambridge with Pastor Rick Bradley officiating.  Inurnment will be in the Fairview Cemetery of Cambridge.

In lieu of flowers the family has asked that memorials be left in Bill’s name.  Friends may leave on-line condolences at lockenourfh.com. 

Lockenour-Jones Mortuary has been entrusted with the arrangements.

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