Craig Kruger
July 17, 2020
Craig suffered a heart attack at home the morning of Monday, July 13th. He passed away at MercyOne Hospital at the age of 63 the evening of Friday, July 17th. His final act of caring and generosity was to be an organ donor and continue to help in the lives of others.
The family will receive visitors from 5-7 p.m. on Wednesday, July 22, 2020, at Hamilton’s near Highland Memory Gardens, 121 NW 60th Avenue in Des Moines. A private family service will be held Thursday morning at 10:00 a.m. The family invites you to join them virtually for Craig’s service through the link below.
Craig was a loving husband and father. He was also a beloved teacher and coach for over 29 years. He helped, touched, and loved countless lives. He was passionate about his family, education, baseball, and his Chiefs. He couldn’t have been a better and more loving dad, husband, Pops, and guide that taught others how to love as hard as he did. His family loves him more than the whole world and he made sure to let them know that he loved them even more.
Craig was born January 7, 1957 in Manhattan, Kansas. He graduated from Millard High School. He attended Iowa State University where he met the love of his life, Janie. He ended up graduating from Upper Iowa University before beginning a 29 year teaching career at Johnston Middle School positively impacting the lives of many 8th graders. His passion for education and teaching was passed on through his children, who both became teachers. He also used his love of sports to motivate his players as a sophomore baseball coach and middle school football coach. He cared about his students and players like they were family.
Craig loved attending sporting events with his loved ones. He was a 42 year Season Ticket Holder for his Kansas City Chiefs and Iowa State Cyclones football. Along with spending his weekends in the fall at Arrowhead and Jack Trice, he traveled to many Iowa State bowl games and Chiefs playoff games with his family.
Craig is survived by his wife of 39 years and college sweetheart Janie, his son Trevor Kruger, his daughter Amy Perington, his son-in-law Jake Perington, his new grandson Oliver Perington, his brother Cary Kruger, his aunt Priscilla Mowinkel, and his uncle Gerald Mowinkel. He was preceded in death by his mother Betty Louise Kruger, his father Charles Edward Kruger, his father-in-law Jack Gehm, and his brother-in-law Tim Gehm.
Craig loved animals and thought of his cats as children. He is survived by his kitties Hali and Lexie, his grand-kitties Ally and Sophie, and his grand-puppies Ellie and Zoey. He is preceded in passing by his fuzzy daughters Slider Sioux, Sandie, KaCie, and Savery. In lieu of flowers, the family has asked for monetary donations to be made to AHeinz57, Furry Friends Refuge, and Animal Rescue League.
The family would like to thank the kind nurses and doctors from the MercyOne Hospital Neuro/Trauma/Medical ICU. They would also like to extend appreciation to all of the many former students and players that made an amazing impact on his life. He will continue to be a gigantic part of many hearts and lives forever.
Condolences may be expressed online at:
www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com.
Andy Drafahl
07/24/2020
Mr. Kruger was a great teacher and a great guy in so many ways. He managed to take a year of multiple choice tests and somehow still keep us on our toes. I had him first period of the day, and I never knew what he had in store, but I always knew it would be exciting. He was funny, witty, and caring for all of his students. Everyone I talked to has fond memories of him and his class. I'm gonna miss him.
Lisa Horsch
07/23/2020
Im so sorry to hear of Craigs passing. His time with you was too short. He positively impacted so many students, ball players, fellow teachers and some lucky cats, too. My thoughts are with you as you navigate a new world without him.
Tom Schmitz
07/23/2020
Dear Janie - I am very sorry for your loss of Craig. He will be missed by all. My deepest sympathy for you and your family. You are in our prayers.
Carrie & Steve Haigh
07/23/2020
To the Kruger Family. So very sorry for your loss. All of you are and will be in our thoughts and prayers.
Mark Patton
07/23/2020
Craig was a loving, caring, loyal and honest friend who I shared some of the best times of my highschool years with. He was the leader of our (gang). He had nicknames for all of us that stuck with us on into adulthood. We didn't stay in contact long after highschool but thought of him and the gang often. We would cruise around singing songs, he was the lead and the rest of us did the harmony. I dug out one of his favorite albums, Elton Johns (Good by yellow brick road) and played it in his honor. He is now walking with God on that golden road, probably having a hot toddy. Crotch, you will be missed. It's a comfort to me that he achieved his dreams as a teacher and coach. Mark(general) Patton
Sydney Pille
07/22/2020
Mr. Kruger was the best teacher Ive ever had. He managed to get me to enjoy a history class, which is saying something. He was always making the class laugh and showing kindness to students who didnt always get enough. He will be dearly missed, and my heart is breaking for his family. My family and I will be praying for them.
Jeremy & Jen Pille
07/22/2020
The Krugers have held a special place in our family since Mr Trevor cared for Syd at KTC...several years later she was blessed to be in Mr Krugers class where kind humor and a true love of his work were evident every day...what a beautiful gift. Prayers and love to the family.
Annie Proctor
07/22/2020
I am so saddened to hear of Mr. Kruger's passing. He was one of my son's favorite teachers and I always enjoyed talking with him at conferences. My thoughts are with his family and community.
Kent McCuddin
07/22/2020
Craig was an awesome friend. One of many things I admired about Craig was he strongly believed in people. His family, his friends, his students, and his athletes. He saw the good, and the potential then acted to help those to achieve their best. He made so many positive impacts on others, it is too many to count. One of the positive impacts was me (a friend from high school). I am grateful our live crossed and we became friends. Rest in piece my friend.
Jim Grill
07/22/2020
While there were many memorable educators and staff in the Johnston School District Coach Kruger stands out above all others to me and my 3 boys. He taught them, he trained them, and he was there for them during some very difficult family times. For this we will always be grateful and always remember him!
Sue Block and family
07/22/2020
Deepest sympathies from our family. He always had a smile to share. He will be remembered kindly.
Dennis and Karen Griffin
07/21/2020
Craig's death hit us like a brick wall, too. We have known this family since they moved to Ames and Craig was so much a part of it. He always had a good word to say and a smile for all. I know he reached a lot of young people. He and Jack have to be solving all of ISU football issues. His love of cats really says how much he liked people. God be with you all and in our prayers.
Diane Chapman Lloyd
07/21/2020
I am so sorry for the loss of Craig for your family and all who knew him. I went to school with him in Sioux City. My thoughts and prayers are with you all at this difficult time.
Alma Hodzic
07/21/2020
Mr. Kruger was the best teacher I ever had. He made an effort to stay in touch with my throughout my high school & college career. I got to know him really well and loved his sense of humor. Ill miss you a lot Krugs. Thank you for everything.
Tami Pink
07/21/2020
My heart hurts for Craigs family. He built a wonderful one. Always have admired the way Janie & Craig loved each other. Craig left behind a wonderful legacy of family and friends.