Obituaries

Thomas V. Kruger

June 18, 1946 to January 26, 2017

WINAMAC - Thomas V. "Thom" Kruger, 70, of Plymouth, passed away Thursday, Jan. 26.

He was born June 18, 1946 in Logansport to the late Henry and Winifred Kruger. He was a 1964 graduate of Winamac High School and earned bachelor's and master's degrees from Purdue University. On Nov. 24, 1971, he married Melody McFarland Binkley in Winamac. She survives.

He is also survived by daughter, Holly (Jim) Wheelbarger of Bolivar, MO and grandchildren, Zacheri (Emily), Cameron, Tyler, Makalyn and Kent; his daughter, Joy (Doug) Fuerst of Wayne, PA and grandson, Henry; son, Andy (Emily) Kruger of Myrtle Beach, SC and granddaughter, Harper; and two great grandchildren. 

In addition, he is survived by siblings, Mary Crawley, Lewis (Helen) Kruger, and Bob (Becky) Kruger; as well as many nieces and nephews. 

Mr. Kruger grew up in a family that was active in the Boy Scouts of America, through which he earned the Order of the Arrow accolade and became an Eagle Scout. He carried his love for the outdoors through his entire life. He enjoyed camping, canoeing, and campfire. He particularly enjoyed bonding with his children and grandchildren through these activities. Throughout his life, he had a passion for motorcycles and scenic trips, at one time traveling the Blue Ridge Parkway.

He was a talented carpenter and had worked alongside his father in Winamac for many years. He also shared his passion of working with his hands with students as a teacher of industrial arts at Knox and Fairfield high schools. Most recently, he was retired from AM General in Mishawaka after working many years at Plymouth Tube in Winamac.After retirement, he enjoyed spending time with his children and grandchildren who were the light of his life. He was a loving husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle and friend. He will be dearly missed.

Visitation will be from 4 to 8 p.m., Tuesday, Jan. 31, at Frain Mortuary, Winamac. The funeral service will be at 11 a.m., Wednesday, Feb. 1, at the funeral home with Michael Burroughs officiating. Private burial will be at Winamac Cemetery, Winamac.

In the later years of his life, Mr. Kruger struggled with depression. The family is requesting that memorial donations may be made to the mental health services provided by Pulaski Memorial Hospital Senior Care or to NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness).