Person:Galen Kruger (1)

Galen Kruger (Died March 6, 2014)

Galen A. Kruger first came to Sikeston from Rockford, Illinois, in 1970 to start National Lock. He brought his wife Marlene and his four children, Galen M., Jay, Cheryl, and Michele with him to start a new life. A little over forty-four years later, he has left Sikeston for his eternal resting place. After touring three different sites for a new factory, Galen saw the most potential in Sikeston. While on the Sikeston Chamber of Commerce, he worked to start the Economic Development Council to help promote the Sikeston community. Working to market the community and bring in new industries, Galen was awarded the Chamber of Commerce Man of the Year Award in 1984. Four years later Governor John Ashcroft recognized Galen with a Leadership in Economic Development Award for his efforts in promoting Sikeston and as a result Missouri.

In addition to serving on the Sikeston Chamber of Commerce, Galen also served on the Mercantile Bank Board and the Sikeston Country Club. He was a member of First United Methodist Church and Sikeston Elks. Galen was born February 2, 1936, on a farm in Ogle County, Illinois. His parents were Lloyd and Ione Hunter Kruger. Galen had one older brother Richard, who preceded him in death. His father passed away when Galen was nine. Galen started dating Marlene Hansen while in high school. He graduated from Rochelle Township High School in 1953. Galen attended Cornell College in Mt. Vernon, Iowa, and graduated in 1957. He and Marlene were married August 11, 1956 and were married for fifty-seven years. Marlene survives with their four children: Galen, Jay, Cheryl, and Michele.

Galen M. is married to Kim (Seger). He has one daughter Jessica (Princess) Kruger. Jay is married to Joan (Alberson). They have two sons, Jason (Firecracker) and Jared (Fireplug). Jared is married to Hilary, and they have one son, Garrett. Cheryl is married to Terry (Walker). They have two daughters, Amanda (Duchess) and Vanessa (Countess). Michele is married to Jeff (Williams). They have two sons, Hunter (Firechief) and Seth (Fireball).

Galen was an avid golfer, who has made two holes in one. The first one he made on the 6th hole at Crowley Ridge Golf Course in 1978. The second one he made on the 6th hole at the Sikeston Country Club in 2005. Six must have been his lucky number. Galen also enjoyed fishing with his friend Jim Warf, his son-in-law Terry, and his grandsons Hunter and Seth as well as other friends.

Galen will best be remembered for his can-do attitude and his joy for entertaining. He and Marlene hosted annual Christmas parties, fish fries, and dinner parties for their large group of friends and family. Not only have we lost a treasured husband, father, brother, uncle, grandfather, and friend, but we have also lost a valued community member who put others and ideas first before himself.

Visitation will be held Saturday, March 8, from 11 am until time of memorial services at 1:00 p.m. at Ponder Funeral Home.

Pallbearers will be: Mike Couch, Hense Winchester, Don Bedell, Mike Limbaugh, Jack Jackovic, Jerry Burge, Dick Inman, Don Herman, Jared Kruger, James Kruger and Jimmy Warf, Jr.

A memorial has been established to the American Cancer Society, P.O. Box 343, Sikeston, MO 63801.

[Condolences from Craig (Mary) Bode]

Mary and I add our love and prayers of support to all of you on the death of Galen ... such a great loss of a strong and powerful man. We will also celebrate with you his entrance into his heavenly home, where he will enjoy the fellowship of eternity and be enjoyed by his Savior Jesus and all of the saints there. Mary and I will surround you and your family with our prayers and offer to you our love and support as you face this loss. We trust that, as He already has, Christ will continue to guide you through the days ahead. Let me also assure you of God's perfect love for you and His desire to be a part of the healing that you face over this loss. His plan for your life remains intact and is His gift to you in Christ. "Thanks be to God for His indescribable gift!" (2 Corinthians 9:15)

Thinking of you,

Craig

http://www.ponderfuneralhome.com/fh/obituaries/obituary.cfm?o_id=2446106&fh_id=12093

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1. ↑ He died at home under Hospice Care.