Roger Kruger

Roger Kruger, age 89 of Glenwood, IA, formerly of Sibley, IA, died Tuesday, June 2, 2009 at the Glenhaven Nursing Home in Glenwood, IA. Memorial service will be 11:00 a.m. Saturday, June 6, 2009 at the First Reformed Church in Sibley with Rev. Gary Van Heukelom officiating. There will be a private family burial prior to the service. Roger John Kruger was born August 31, 1919 on a farm near Sibley, IA to Thomas and Laura (Onken) Kruger. He was raised near Sibley and received his education first at Holman Township Country School and graduated from Sibley High School. He served four years in the United States Navy during WWII. He was a Chief Pharmacist Mate and was attached to the Marines. His tour of duty was served in the South Pacific in Iwo Jima, Okinawa, and Guam. He was united in marriage September 28, 1946 to Pearl Klinkkammer and the couple enjoyed 63 years together. To this union two children were born, Mark and Lynda. His family will remember him as a wonderful husband and father. The couple farmed in South Dakota for 12 years before moving to Sibley in 1963 where they remained until 2007 at which time Pearl and Roger moved to Glenwood, IA to be near to family. Following his years farming, Roger drove a rendering truck in the Sibley area for 20 years and then worked with the Sherriffs office as dispatcher for 10 years before retiring. Roger loved to read and memorize poetry; everything he could get a hold of. Three days before he passed he recited a part of the RUBIAT to the aide caring for him at the nursing home. He loved to recite everything from Edgar Alan Poe to Robert Savage, from Longfellow to Omar Kyam. He loved to tell stories, and was wonderful with children. He really enjoyed his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. His sense of humor never failed him right up to the end. He loved long talks with his son Mark either in person or on the phone. He also enjoyed feeding the birds and tending his garden. This past Tuesday, Roger died at the age of 89. He will be greatly missed. Roger is survived by his wife of 63 years, Pearl Kruger of Silver City, IA; son Mark (Laura) Kruger of Ashton, IA; daughter Lynda (Gary) Gray of Silver City, IA; grandchildren, James Vierkant, Jessie Kruger, Marte Burkart; great-grandchildren, Jarad and Elijah Vierkandt Mia Burkart, Alyssa Hart and Joseph Hart; sister, Luella Klippstein of Colorado Springs, CO. He was preceded in death by his parents, Tom and Laura Kruger; sisters, Margaret Stenzel and Arlene Highstrom; brothers-in-law, Cedric Klippstein, Wally Highstrom, and Ira Stenzel.