William H. Kruck Jr.

William Henry Kruck Jr., 76, of St. Joseph passed away on Friday, Nov. 14, 2025, at Corewell Health Butterworth Hospital, Grand Rapids, Mich., surrounded by family. Bill was born April 18, 1949, in St. Joseph, to William and Hulda (Eichler) Kruck Sr.

The family will receive guests from 4-8 p.m. Friday, Nov. 21, at Starks & Menchinger Chapel, 2650 Niles Road, St. Joseph. A celebration of life eternal will be at 10 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 22, at Grace Lutheran Church, 404 E. Glenlord Road, St. Joseph, with Pastor Michael Biedenbender officiating. Burial will follow in Spring Run Cemetery, Royalton Township. Memorial contributions may be made to The William Kruck Scholarship Fund at Michigan Lutheran High School, 615 E. Marquette Woods Road, St. Joseph or Grace Lutheran Church for Grace Tuition Assistance, 404 E. Glenlord Road, St. Joseph. Those wishing to sign Bill's memory book online may do so at www.starks-menchinger.com.

Bill was baptized and confirmed at St. Matthew's Lutheran Church, Benton Harbor. He was a 1967 graduate of Benton Harbor High School. He graduated from Western Michigan University with a degree in education. On July 17, 1982, Bill married Suzanne Weatherly at St. Matthew's Lutheran Church.

In 1974, Bill was called to serve his Lord and Savior as a teacher at Michigan Lutheran High School. Throughout his 40 years at the school, Bill taught history, coached football, baseball and basketball, along with serving as the school's guidance director. He ended his career as the director of resources. You could see Bill's love for history in the way he taught. He was proud of growing up in Benton Harbor and loved local history, making an effort to incorporate it into his lessons whenever he could. He even coordinated memorable bus tours of area sites for his classes!

Bill also teamed up with Buchanan's American Legion Post 51 to host annual Veterans Day speakers at the school, creating a space for honor, remembrance and real connection. But what stood out most was how much he cared about his students. He believed, wholeheartedly, that "All students matter, or none matter." They were all the same to him; redeemed children of God purchased by Christ's precious blood.

Bill was active in his church, serving on multiple boards over the years. He loved to read, to watch – and occasionally complain about – the Detroit Lions and Tigers. But most of all, he loved spending time with his family. Of all the roles he held in life, the ones he cherished most was becoming a father and papaw.

He is survived by his wife, Suzanne Kruck; his children: Mollie (Owen) Watson and William (Ashley) Kruck; his grandchildren: Amelia Watson, Demetrius Holmes, Oakleigh Kruck and Bliss Kruck; his sister-in-law, Virginia Kruck; nephew, Kenneth (Janine) Kruck; and niece, Karen (Michael) Ott.

He is preceded in death by his parents: William and Hulda Kruck; brothers: Richard Kruck and Gerald Kruck; his nephews: Robert Kruck and John Kruck; nieces: Kimberlee Kruck and Jerrilee Wood.

"I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in Me, though he may die, he shall live." Well done good and faithful servant. May he rest in peace until we meet again.