Obituaries

November 17, 1926 to September 10, 2019

FRANCESVILLE - Melvin Devon Kruger, 92, of Francesville, passed away Tuesday afternoon, Sept 10, at his home with his wife, Phyllis, by his side.

He was born Nov. 17, 1926 in Francesville to the late Melvin and Sylvia Edna Timmons Kruger. After graduating from Francesville High School, he enlisted in the U.S. Army during World War II. He was an M1 sharpshooter and expert 30 cal. light machine gunman. He was stationed in Austria at Tulln Air Base where he was Sergeant of the Guard, guarding German SS prisoners. He was later stationed in Vienna before receiving an honorable discharge. He was a life member of the Winamac VFW Post #1728 and the American Legion. He married Louise Shepherd on Sept. 17, 1949 in Buffalo, IN. She preceded him in death on April 15, 2003. On Feb. 17, 2005, he married Phyllis Wigner Goble in Key West, FL. She survives.

He is also survived by:
Andy (Julie) Kruger, Yorktown, Grandson
Christy Kruger, Crown Point, Granddaughter
Jordan Kolish, Winamac, Great-Grandson
Clay Kruger, Yorktown, Great-Grandson
Tanner Kruger, Yorktown, Great-Grandson
Mallory Kruger, Yorktown, Great-Granddaughter
Hadley Kruger, Yorktown, Great-Granddaughter
Barbara Tillett, Fishers, Sister
Betty Kruger, Francesville, Sister-in-law
Many Nieces and Nephews
Cherie Goble, Lafayette, Step-Daughter
Michael Goble, Monterey, Step-Son
Mary Heal, Bass Lake, Step-Daughter
Scott Goble, Step-Grandson
Stephanie (Zach) Brennan, Step-Granddaughter
Nicole (Austin) Cowley, Step-Granddaughter
Nathan Goble, Step-Grandson
Many Step-Great-Grandchildren

Preceded in death by:
Richard "Rick" Kruger, Son
Colin Kruger, Infant Brother
Carl Kruger, Brother
Steven Goble, Step-Son

Mr. Kruger was an active member of the Francesville First Christian Church where he had served as an Elder and Deacon. He was a supporter of Johnson Bible College as well as numerous missionary endeavors. He was a member of Royal Center Lodge #585 F&AM, Scottish Rite and Murat Shrine. He was a generous supporter of Shriner's Hospital for Children. He was a co-founder of Diamond Trucking in Francesville, starting with only two trucks. At the height of his career, he had more than 25 trucks that paved many of Indiana's roadways. He  enjoyed traveling, watching NASCAR and dining out. He loved the outdoors, especially bird watching, boating and mowing his lawn. He was a kind, loving and generous man who loved his family very much. He will be deeply missed.

Masonic services will be held at 2:30 p.m., Saturday, Sept. 14, at Frain Mortuary Querry-Ulbricht Chapel, Francesville. Visitation will follow from 3 to 8 p.m., Saturday, at the funeral home; and from 1:30 to 2:30 p.m., Sunday, Sept. 15, at Francesville First Christian Church, Francesville. The funeral service will follow at 2:30 p.m., Sunday, at the church with Pastor James Ketchen officiating. Burial will be at Roseland Cemetery, Francesville. The American Legion and VFW will conduct military graveside services.

Memorial donations may be made to Francesville First Christian Church or Shriners Hospital for Children.

Online condolences may be offered in the guestbook at www.frainmortuary.com.