John Cruger

John Van Rensselaer Cruger passed away peacefully on January 4, 2008, after a lingering illness. He was born the third of four children to John Church Cruger and Emma DeBergue Cruger on March 12, 1917 in El Paso, Texas. He was a life-long resident of El Paso. He held several interesting positions before pursuing his career as a fire fighter - most notably, becoming a police officer for the El Paso Police Department. In 1941 he began his career as a fire fighter at Ft. Bliss, Texas. In 1945 he left to teach fire fighting in San Diego for the U.S. Navy during WWII. Upon his return to civilian life in 1946 he earned his aviator's license and resumed his career at Biggs Field, where he rose through the ranks to become Fire Chief. When Biggs closed he returned to Ft. Bliss as Fire Chief, a position he held until his retirement in 1973. He is survived by his daughters, Rosetta Ann Teitsworth of El Paso and Emilie Cruger of San Francisco and his son, John Thomas Cruger of Albuquerque; five grandchildren; 11 great grandchildren; six great-great grandchildren; and his brother, James Pendleton Cruger. He is predeceased by his beloved wife of 69 years, Juanita Ann Law Cruger, who passed away December 13, 2006. John was a very intelligent, funny and kind man who brought joy and inspiration to his family, friends and everyone who knew him. He was a one-of-kind. All our lives he sang us little ditties from his childhood and regaled us with stories of his fascinating youth, his life and career. We love him dearly and will miss him the rest of our lives. Good Night Sweet Prince. Graveside service will be Wednesday, January 9, 2008 at 10 a.m. at Fort Bliss National Cemetery. Arrangements by Hillcrest Funeral Home, 1060 Carolina Drive 598-3332