Herman K. Kruggel

May 15, 1928 - Nov. 26, 2018

SOUTH BEND, IN - Herman K. Kruggel, 90, a lifetime resident of South Bend passed away peacefully at St. Joseph Regional Medical Center surrounded by the love of his 5 children on November 26. He was born May 15, 1928, to his late parents, Herman G. and Hedwig Martha (Litzner) Kruggel. Herman was preceded in death by his loving wife, Beverly J. (Watson) Kruggel; brothers, William, George, and Reinhold; and sisters, Charlotte, Dorothy (Gabor), and Helen (Henselin). He is survived by his 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 (fiancé Sean Lowe), Blake and Case Roytek, Sydney, Colorado, and Ana Kruggel, Parker, Ryan, Mitchell, and Evan Durham (father Ted Durham); and one great-grandchild, Watson Lowe. He also leaves behind many adoring nieces and nephews.

Herman was a 1945 graduate of John Adams High School where he met Beverly, whom he married on June 25, 1949. Herman earned his Bachelor of Science degree in Accounting from the University of Notre Dame in 1951. Following his graduation, he began his career in accounting with a local CPA firm owned by the head of the Notre Dame School of Accounting. From 1955-60 he served as an adjunct professor of accounting at the University of Notre Dame, enabling him to open his office as a CPA sole practitioner in 1956. Herman also served in the Army during the Korean War. It was during that time that he met his long time friend, Roy Lawton, whom he would ask to join his practice in 1974. Soon after, the office became known as Kruggel, Lawton & Company. Herm was especially proud to have his sons Kevin and Kurt join the firm and become partners, and to watch as the business grew into a company named as one of the 300 largest CPA firms in the United States.

Herman had many hobbies and interests. He had a passion for volleyball and enjoyed playing competitively in his middle years. He began at the South Bend Turners and continued to travel with the Ritschard Diggers winning many Champion titles throughout the Midwest, including a victory over the United States Armed Forces team. He and Bev were avid Notre Dame fans and long time season ticket holders. He remained in close touch with a group of John Adams classmates, meeting often to plan reunions or just to enjoy each other's company. He 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 he and Bev were summer residents for 35 years and permanent residents for 24 years. There he provided a paradise for his family to spend wonderful and active summers. Grandpa always made sure to have the best water toys and a boat full of gas!

Herm gave of himself to the community serving as a member of various clubs. He served as President of the Misha-Bend Kiwanis club, President of the Notre Dame Quarterback Club in 1983, and Commodore of the Birch Lake Yacht Club in 1984.

Herman was a lifelong member of the New Apostolic Church South Bend congregation. He enjoyed singing in the choir and he and Bev were choir members for over 60 years. He will be remembered throughout the congregation for the lovely duets they sang together.

The family would like to thank caregivers Tamie Gorny, Jayme Wolf, and all the staff of Senior 1 Care who took wonderful care of Herm and addressed his everyday needs.

Visitation for Herman will be on Friday, November 30, at the Welsheimer Family Funeral Home, 17033 Cleveland Road, South Bend, IN 46635, where family and friends may call from 4:00-8:00 p.m. A funeral Service will be held on Saturday, December 1 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.

11/27/2018 JFC