Manfred Kruck Obituary

Passed away in Santa Rosa on September 17, 2010. Dearly beloved partner and friend for 43 years of Horst Von Waaden of Santa Rosa; beloved brother of Christa Stumpf and husband Roland, Siegfried Kruck and wife Helga and Erich Kruck, and their families; special love was given by his niece Karin Heck and family; also survived by his sister in law Hedwig Kruck; preceded in death by his brother Egon Kruck. A native of Germany, age 71 years. Manfred came to the San Francisco in 1962 and he loved this country. Prior to coming here he worked as a cook at the Banff Springs Hotel in Canada and for the U.S. Air Force at Goose Bay, Canada. Upon arriving in San Francisco he worked as a carver and butcher at the Cliff Hotel and later opened his own restaurant "Little Europe till 1964. After the restaurant he worked as a Station Cook on the American President Lines till 1966, when he joined the Matson Lines as the youngest Executive Chef on the SS Lurline, SS Mariposa and SS Monterey. In 1971 he move to South Lake Tahoe where he ran the entire food operation, supervising a staff of 100 at the Sahara Tahoe. In 1972 he once again went to sea and was the Executive Chef on three Royal Viking ships. He later worked as Executive Chef at the University Club in San Francisco for a year and after that worked as an Executive Chef for the Bank of America, running all their food programs for five years. In 1982 he and his business and life partner Horst purchased and for 25 years ran the A&W Root Beer in Santa Rosa. Manfred enjoyed playing the stock market, classical music and the beauty around him, and more than anything he loved his constant companion Toby. He never met a stranger and he enjoyed talking with everyone, he will be greatly missed. Family and friends are invited to attend a Memorial Service on Sunday, September 26, 2010 at 12:00 noon at Daniels Chapel of the Roses, 1225 Sonoma Ave, Santa Rosa. Inurnment at Woodlawn Cemetery in San Francisco. After the service everyone invited to continue the celebration at the former A&W, which is now Hang Ah Dim Sun, 2130 Armory Dr, Santa Rosa. In lieu of flowers donations in his memory may be made to the Sonoma County Animal Shelter, 1247 Century Ct, and Santa Rosa, CA 95403. DANIELS CHAPEL OF THE ROSES FUNERAL AND CREMATIONS SERVICES 525-3730

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Published by Press Democrat from Sep. 22 to Sep. 25, 2010.

Memories and Condolences
for Manfred Kruck

7 Entries

Karin Heck

September 16, 2020

Uncle Manfred You died 10 years ago, four weeks after we visited you - it was a terrible time after you passed. Since then, the friendship between me and your life partner and my best friend Horst has become even more intense. We have spoken about you regularly and told us stories about the past, that was important for us, it helped in our pain. This year we wanted to visit Horst, he was so looking forward to it and we did it too. Unfortunately he died in May and I still can't believe it. I'm so sad! And then came the COVID-19 virus, we couldn't fly to America as planned and we couldn’t say goodbye. You both were my family and a very important part in my life. I miss you both very much!! Rest In Peace You are forever in my/our hearts.
In Love Karin
with Wolfgang, Janina and Franziska

Jürgen und Liane Kruck

October 21, 2010

Lieber Onkel Manfred, leider konnten wir nur wenig Zeit gemeinsam verbringen. Aber jedes Mal, wenn wir Dich und Horst sahen oder nur miteinander telefonierten, haben wir uns sehr gefreut. Immer wieder denken wir gerne an die Stunden, die wir mit Euch in Santa Rosa und auch in Gerlingen verbringen durften. Du warst immer aufgeschlossen und für alles zu begeistern. Leider war Dir nicht mehr Zeit gegeben. Gekämpft, gehofft und doch verloren.
Der Tod hat keine Bedeutung -
ich bin nur nach nebenan gegangen.
Ich bleibe, wer ich bin,
und auch Ihr bleibt dieselben.
Wir werden Dich immer in unseren Gedanken bei uns haben, bis wir uns wiedersehen.
Dein Jürgen und Liane.

Lisa Smonski(Dewey)

September 26, 2010

I worked at A & W when they first opened the business when I was a teenager.Manfred taught me many things that stick with me to this day. He taught me to treat food and customers with respect. It didn't matter if it was a $1 hamburger or a specialty item that he created. It was to be perfectly cooked and perfectly presented. One time he asked me to wipe the insides of the coleslaw containers so nothing was spattered on the sides. I thought it was extreme at the time, but to this day I never serve anything that looks messy. Watching him cook made me the adventerous cook that I am today. He had a huge heart and never gave up on anyone, he always gave people second chances including myself. I will miss him.

Karin,Wolfgang,Janina und Franziska Heck

September 26, 2010

Lieber Onkel Manfred.....Immer, wenn wir von Dir erzählen, fallen Sonnenstrahlen in unsere Seelen. Unsere Herzen halten Dich gefangen, so, als wärst Du nie gegangen.
Was bleibt, sind Liebe und Erinnerung.
Wenn die Liebe einen Weg zum Himmel fände und Erinnerungen Stufen wären, würden wir hinaufsteigen und Dich zurückholen.Wir sind sehr froh und dankbar darüber,dass wir vor 2 1/2 Wochen,gemeinsam mit Dir und Horst noch einige schöne Tage bei euch in Santa Rosa verbringen durften und können es immer noch nicht fassen, was passiert ist.Doch eines Tages werden wir uns wiedersehen, denn Du hast uns nicht verlassen, Du bist nur ein Stück voraus. In Liebe, Deine Karin mit Wolfgang, Janina und Franziska

September 24, 2010

Manfred will be greatly missed. He was a good friend, a great neighbor, a real gentleman and one who knew how to get things done right. He was also a generous person. He was loved and respected and his loss leaves a great void in our lives.

September 23, 2010

Manfred...a very dear and special friend to all of us. We will miss you so very much....your friendly smile, your kindness, our get together for dinner or going to the casino, the phone calls checking the stock market or to know how business was...or to talk about the family.
Manfred, we love you with all our hearts and the memories and good times will be with us forever.
The Bromberger family,
William, Romey, Elizabeth, David and Michael.

christine ozorio

September 22, 2010

Although i never met Manfred, he was a great support to my family. My late brother Joe worked many years at the A&W and considered him a friend and father-figure. He often asked after the family and my father always enjoyed their chats and the delicious quince preserve he made. He was a true gentleman.

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