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.
Steve Claussen
07/21/2020
Janie, so sorry to hear of your loss. It has been many many years ago, but I have not forgotten how passionate Craig was about anything that he cared about. You and your family will be in my thoughts and prayers.
Jenifer Moses
07/21/2020
I am so sorry to hear of Craigs passing. My thoughts are with you all. Craig taught / coached my son almost 20 years ago. He was so passionate about everything he did. He was far too young to leave but he left thousands of kids with important life lessons. He made a difference.
Anne Posegate
07/21/2020
Our hearts go out to you right now. We are so sorry to hear of Craig's passing. What a huge impact he has had on the lives of countless students. Even better, he was a loving father and husband. Prayers for all of you during this difficult time. Bret and Anne Posegate
Syreine Richtsmeier
07/20/2020
Mr. K was one of my most influential teachers I had at Johnston. He impacted me greatly and I will never forget the laughs we shared. My condolences to the Kruger family.
Sarah Dvorak
07/20/2020
Janie - I have only known you for a few months but my heart goes out to you as if we have known each other for years. I am so sorry to hear of your loss and I will pray for you every day. Blessings to you and your family.
Jennifer Tarin (Fox)
07/20/2020
In all the years and all the losses of teachers and friends.. this one hit me like a brick wall. Mr. K was my absolute favorite teacher out of my Johnston tenure and he will be sorely missed. My condolences to the Kruger family.
ANDREW BRODKEY
07/20/2020
So sorry to hear about Craig. I recruited him to our fraternity at ISU and he was a loyal member and friend. Condolences to the family.