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BORN
1947
DIED
2013
FUNERAL HOME
Karen Kruger Obituary
June 12, 1947-August 16, 2013
Resident of Sunnyvale
Karen V. Kruger, longtime resident of Sunnyvale, died on Friday, August 16, 2013 at the age of 66, ending a brave four year battle with pancreatic cancer.
Born in San Francisco to Vic and Antoinette Kruger, Karen was an academic standout. She was a graduate of Westmoor High School and San Jose State University.
Karen was an avid reader. Her professional career led her from teaching, through the publishing industry, and eventually landed her at Stanford Linear Accelerator Center where she enjoyed a 20 year career and met some of the most important friends of her life. It is at SLAC that Karen met the love of her life, Tom Murphy, who survives her.
Karen was an accomplished cook, deeply revealing her Italian heritage. No stranger to travel, she had experienced much of this world. She was proud of her blackjack skills and made frequent trips to Reno and Las Vegas to apply them.
She has a wealth of friends and family, and they will long remember her 64th birthday party at Maggiano's Little Italy restaurant in Santana Row.
Karen is survived by her dear aunt, Edith Race, and cousins Kathy Linton, Lance Laterza (Katheryn), Lester Laterza (Gloria), Linda Bratset (Roger), Larry Laterza (Jimmy), and Laura Nichols (Michael).
A celebration of life will be held at 10:00AM on Saturday, August 24th, at LIMA-CAMPAGNA-ALAMEDA MISSION CHAPEL, 600 South Second Street, San Jose, CA. All are invited to a luncheon following the service at Flames Eatery and Bar, 4th and San Fernando, downtown San Jose. Donations in her memory can be made to Pancreatic Cancer Action Network of Manhattan Beach, 1500 Rosecrans Avenue, Suite 200, Manhattan Beach, CA 90266, or online at www.pancan.org.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Karen Kruger
Pamela
August 25, 2025
Missing you dear friend; I picture you and sweet Tom at a blackjack table laughing and winning. Tom, you are so missed. Godspeed to you both.
Ginger
August 15, 2025
Thinking of you today, and remembering our wonderful concert to see Barbra Streisand.
Sue and Ken
August 15, 2025
Karen,
It has been a long time now since we were blessed with your presence. Think of you often. Ken will do our trip to Monterey once again this year. Tom, if you are able, please let us know how you are.
Sue and Ken,
August 15, 2021
Miss you every day my California buddy. No visit to the Bay Area or Carmel is ever the same. We shared lots of laughter, tears and enduring friendship. You are NOT forgotten. Til we meet again...
Pamela
September 20, 2013
Miss you buddy.....
Karen McClenahan
August 29, 2013
Rest in Peace my fun friend and co-worker. Jim and I loved seeing you and Tom when you came up to Reno to win big. You taught me a lot and I will miss you.
August 28, 2013
The news about Karen was a shock. I'm so very sorry to learn of her lengthy battle with cancer. Tom, I understand you were a great source of strength to Karen during her illness. I'm so sorry for your loss. Be happy for the time the two of you shared together. Karen was one of the people I choose to remember working with at SLAC. She was a good person. I'm truly saddened by her passing.
Tom, you're in my thoughts.
Beverly Freeman
Ginger O'Reilly
August 27, 2013
Ksren was such a great friend and the most courageous person I have ever met. We had so much fun together. I will never forget her, she was my hero!
Sue and Ken Jenkins
August 24, 2013
An incomparable friend for 39 years.May we all gain from the strength and grace she possessed. We will truly miss her. Tom, thanks for caring for our dear friend. You were truly her "rock" and our rockstar.
John Stoner
August 23, 2013
Karen was a great person, colleague, and friend. She brought cheer and good spirits to everyone she met. She will be greatly missed.
Lynette Lombardo
August 22, 2013
Karen was a wonderful woman. So full of life and so brave. She was also extremely funny and brought laughter and cheer wherever she went. She will be missed.
Robert Todaro
August 21, 2013
Karen was the subject matter expert at SLAC for her office. She was always very helpful and knowledgeable and had a great quality in her sense of humor. May she rest in peace.
August 21, 2013
Karen was such a special woman...and so brave! She will be greatly missed. Kathy Race-Linton (her cousin)
August 20, 2013
Karen was a true inspiration to all. She was a wonderful women so full with love and life. It was an honor to call her family. She will truly be missed forever!!
Peggy Osteim
August 20, 2013
Karen was a true inspiration to all. She was a wonderful women so full with love and life. It was an honor to call her family. She will truly be missed forever!!
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Lima-Campagna-Alameda Mission Chapel - San Jose600 South Second Street, San Jose, CA 95112
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