In Memory
Beverly J. Kruggel Watson
Jan. 31, 1929 - Sept. 21, 2017
SOUTH BEND - Beverly J. Kruggel, 88, a lifetime resident of South Bend passed away peacefully surrounded by the love of her husband and 5 children on September 21, 2017, at her residence, Andre Place at Holy Cross Village. She was born January 31, 1929, as Beverly Jean Watson to her late parents, William and Doris (Cather) Watson. Beverly is survived by her loving husband, Herman K. Kruggel; sisters, Nancy (Donald) Truex and Sharon Hounshell; children, Paula (Richard) Fisette, Kevin (Mindy) Kruggel, Leslie (James) Roytek, Kurt (Kristy) Kruggel and Shelley (Sharon) Kruggel; as well as 13 grandchildren: Connor (Celeste), Cole and Courtney Kruggel (mother Susan Hammes), Alexa, Blake and Case Roytek, Sydney, Colorado and Ana Kruggel, Parker, Ryan Lynn, Mitchell and Evan Durham (father Ted Durham). She also leaves behind many adoring nieces and nephews.
Beverly was a 1947 graduate of John Adams High School where she met Herman, whom she married on June 25, 1949. Beverly worked alongside Herm for many years helping him to start his accounting firm, which would become Kruggel, Lawton and Company. She created a comfortable and loving home where together with Herm she raised their five children. Bev loved to share her home with family and friends, hosting summer and holiday gatherings all the way up to the onset of her illness in 2015.
Beverly had many hobbies and interests. She had a love of nature and found happiness in decorative gardening and bird watching around her home. She was very fond of the theatre and in her younger years performed in many leading roles at John Adams and Notre Dame. One of her most memorable performances, Lady in the Dark, took place over 20 years after high school when director James Lewis Casaday contacted her offering her a role. She enjoyed reading and was a member of the Birch Lake Ladies Book Club. She and Herm were avid Notre Dame fans and long time season ticket holders. She remained in close touch with a group of her John Adams classmates, meeting often to plan reunions or just to enjoy each other's company. She also enjoyed staying active playing tennis and golf with friends at Morris Park Country Club and waterskiing, sailing and boating on their beloved Birch Lake, where she and Herm were summer residents for 35 years and permanent residents for 24 years. There she enjoyed watching her children and grandchildren spend wonderful and active summers on the lake. Beverly enjoyed baking for her family and her much coveted homemade pies and Christmas cookies will never be forgotten. “Nothing will ever come close to one of Grandma's blueberry or apple pies!”
Bev gave of herself to the community in various volunteer roles. Two of her favorite organizations she worked with were the Little Bear Program for the prevention of childhood sexual abuse and CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocate for children).
Her faith was central in her life and she enjoyed reading from the Bible or daily religious reflection books. She was a member of the New Apostolic Church South Bend congregation for 68 years. She enjoyed singing in the choir and she and Herm were choir members for 60 years. She will be remembered throughout the congregation for the lovely duets they sang together.
The family would like to thank caregivers Tamie, Izzy, Jayme, Crystal, Samantha, Morgan, Kimberlee, Terri and all the staff of Senior 1 Care who took wonderful care of Bev and addressed her everyday needs.
Visitation for Beverly will be on Tuesday, September 26, at the Welsheimer Family Funeral Home, 17033 Cleveland Road, South Bend, IN 46635, where family and friends may call from 4 to 7 p.m. A funeral service will be held on Wednesday, September 27, at 11:00 a.m. at the New Apostolic Church, 5602 Ironwood Road, South Bend, IN 46614.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the New Apostolic Church, 5602 S. Ironwood Road, South Bend, IN 46614; and Center for Hospice Care, 111 Sunnybrook Ct., South Bend, IN 46637.
E-Mail condolences may be made at www.welsheimer.com.
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