Kruger, Gerald C. “Jerry”

Freeland, Michigan

Passed away early Wednesday morning January 4, 2012 at the Brittany Manor Nursing Home in Midland after a lengthy illness at the age of 85 years. Jerry was born February 6, 1926 in Hope, MI to the late Ernest and Frieda (Leuenberger) Kruger and has resided in this area most of his life. Jerry attended Midland High before joining the U.S. Army in 1944, becoming a gunner in the Field Artillery Transportation Corp (23^rd Core, 7^th Army) landing in Laharve, France. He fought in Germany along the Rhine to the Remogan Bridge and on until he met the Russians at the Elbe River near the end of the war. He worked for Dow Corning as a pipefitter (Local 12934) for 23 years. After leading the strike against Corning, he went to work for Union Local 85 until he retired in 1988.  Gerald enjoyed collecting antiques and spending time with his beloved dog Charlie, he was a member of the Midland V.F.W. and Saginaw American Legion. On November 7, 1947 Gerald married Marjorie J. Winchell, she survives him. Also surviving are four children: Judy (Lou) Henderson of Shepherd, MI, Gail (Ron) Hinkley of Midland, Janice (Dennis) Keel of Freeland, Kent Kruger of Midland. Six grandchildren: Danny, Leah, Chris, Stacy, Brandon, Travis, four great grandchildren: Kira, Shania, Sierra, Noah, a brother: Don (Beverly) Kruger of Venice, FL and a sister: Wilma Schultz of Glendale, AZ. A brother; Fred Kruger has predeceased Gerald.

Funeral services will be held 11:00 a.m. Saturday January 7, 2012 at the Cunningham/Taylor Funeral Home, Freeland. Rev. Jean Winther will officiate with burial to follow in Westside Cemetery in Freeland. Friends may call at the Cunningham/Taylor Funeral Home, 310 E. Washington St., Freeland on Friday from 2:00-8:00 p.m. and Saturday from 10:00 a.m. until time of service. Those planning an expression of sympathy are asked to consider the Alzheimer’s Association or the donor’s favorite charity.

Notification Published by Cunningham-Taylor F.H.'s Inc.-Freeland Chapel

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