Carl H. Kruger

Mr. Carl H. Kruger, 84, of Rhodes, passed away Thursday, Feb. 2, 2012, at Aleta E. Lutz VA Medical Center following a lingering illness. He was born on his family's farm in Rhodes on Oct. 27, 1927, to the late Fred and Alma (Rase) Kruger. Joyce, his wife of 63 years, preceded him in death. They were married on May 15, 1948, at Hope Lutheran Church, where he was a lifelong member.

Carl retired from The Dow Chemical Co. after 35 years of service. He also farmed the family farm, served as a Deputy Sherriff for Gladwin County, Constable for Bentley Township and on the Estey School Board. He was an Army Veteran of World War II and a member of Veterans of Foreign Wars, Pinconning, Disabled American Veterans, Standish Posts and the Estey Moose Lodge. He was a former 4-H and Boy Scout Leader, coached Little League and Pony League. Carl and Joyce opened their home as foster parents over the years to 14 foster children. He volunteered for DAV and the Gladwin County Department of Social Services as a driver.

Surviving Carl are his children, Fredrick (Fritz) and Paulette, Kenneth Kruger, and Sherilynn Kruger; grandchildren, Holly and Tony D'Amico, Shawn and Larry Francis, Mitchell and Katie Kruger, Amy and Ry Muzzarelli, Sara and Bill Russet, Tyler and Ines Siewicke, and Amanda and Jason Smidt; great-grandchildren, Anna, Brad, Brian, Cameron, Ellie, Hayden, Landen, Logan, Myles, and Sam; sister, Louise Krevinghaus; and brothers-in-law, Howard and Phyllis Helm; also many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by a daughter-in-law, Sally Kruger.

A special thanks to the Palliative Care Unit of the Aleta E. Lutz VA Medical Center for the comforting care given to Carl and his family.

Funeral services will be held Tuesday, Feb. 7, 2012, at 11 a.m. from Hope Lutheran Church, Rhodes, with Pastor Reed Schroer presiding, with burial in the church cemetery. Friends may call at the Lee-Ramsay Funeral Home today from 1-5 p.m., Monday 1-8 p.m., and Tuesday Carl will lie in state at the church from 10 a.m. until time of services. Those wishing an expression of sympathy are asked to consider the Hope Lutheran Church's Building Fund.