Harry Krueger Jr.

Krueger - Harry Krueger Jr. aged 88, of Wyoming, passed away Thursday, May 24, 2018 at Medilodge of Wyoming, MI. Harry was born on November 1, 1929 to his parents, the late Harry and Ruth Krueger. Harry was preceded in death by his brothers, David E. Krueger, Alvin E. Krueger, Dale Krueger, Gerald Krueger; sister's Runella Nell Beeman, Fadalis Dae Weidman. Harry is survived by his siblings, Dorothy (Herb) Portor, Leota (Ted) Rose, Naoma Cash, and Sharmine Branagan; sister-in-law's, Nancy Krueger, Nina Krueger; many nieces, nephews and so many friends he met throughout his life. Harry was a very well known as the candy man. As he always had greeted everyone he ran into with his trade mark of offering them a Fire Ball candy or a Werther's candy as a second if you were not up to the hot stuff. Harry had a deep love for God, God's word was his life. Harry read the Bible daily throughout his life. He also had a love for the outdoors. He loved camping and traveling. He enjoyed playing basketball and did so at his home with neighborhood friends often. Harry had a love for birds. He always made sure that his outside bird feeder was filled daily and that they had plenty of water. He also had his own personal birds at home. His parrot "Rio" was his buddy and always looked forward to spending time with him in the evening hours. Harry took care of his mother up until the time of her passing and remained living at the same residence throughout his life until a brief stay at Medilodge of Wyoming, MI, where he received very loving care from all staff and friends until the time of his passing. Harry was a hero. He served honorable in the United States Army; throughout his stay he was highly recommended for excellent service performed on duty aboard the U.S.N.S. General R Howze on its voyage from Seattle, Washington to Yokohama, Japan. Harry was one of 13 enlisted men out of a group of 90 that was recognized for superior service. Harry went on to serve two months in Japan and twelve months stay in North Korea; were he again was awarded the combat infantryman badge for satisfactory performance of duty under enemy ground fire. Harry went on to serve his tour of duty for the next twelve months as an ambulance driver; going to the front lines picking up the wounded brother's in arms. He told me at time's he had to make some of these runs at night over rough terrain and with his light's off, all during enemy fire having to at times hold up an IV bottle and driving at the same time to get the men back to camp for medical assistance. When there were no immediate runs to be made to the front lines, he would spend time playing basketball, football at a camp he described as somewhat of mash unit like you may have seen on TV. He rose up in rank quickly from PVT to PVT 2nd class and on to Corporal. Harry was very dedicated to his job. He loved driving the ambulance and even after being offered another position that would have brought him up to Sergeant, he humbly declined and stayed with his ambulance until the end of his tour. Harry received several badges and commendation for his honorable service in the United States Army. Yes, Harry was a Hero, a friend to many and he will be missed. A memorial "Remembering" Harry Kruger Jr. will be held 12:00 Noon, Saturday, June 2, 2018 at NE Community Church of the Nazarene, 861 Fuller Ave. NE, Grand Rapids, MI 49503 with a luncheon immediately following the service. Memorial contributions in Harry's name can be made to NE Community Church of the Nazarene. You will truly be missed every single day until we meet again Roy Vander Ende and Dawn Duimstra. To very special friends Pastor Dan and his wife, Janie for all your caring and time spent not only during my time of need but throughout my life. To send flowers or a memorial gift to the family of Harry Krueger Jr. please visit our Sympathy Store.