NORMAN L. KRUGER

April 1, 1929 - July 7, 2013
SOUTH BEND - Norman Lee Kruger, 84, of South Bend died Sunday, July 7, 2013 in his residence following an illness. Mr. Kruger was born April 1, 1929 in Mishawaka to the late Edythe (Johnson) and Lester Kruger, Sr. and was a lifetime area resident. He was also preceded in death by his older brother, Lester, Jr., sister, Barbara Durbin, and two daughters-in-law, Judith Kruger and Lisa Kruger.

On September 17, 1955 in South Bend he married Theodora DeBoer who survives. Also surviving are his six children, Gregory Kruger (Susan) of Marquette, MI, Kathryn Wilson (Jerry) of Mishawaka, Norman Kruger, II of South Bend, Timothy Kruger, (Lori Moore) of Granger, Susan Rector (David) of South Bend, and Brian Kruger (Donna) of Franklin, IN; 13 grandchildren, Geoff Kruger (Angie), Laura Kruger (Sean Wagner), Andrew Kruger, Jason Wilson (Erin), Daniel Wilson, Dalton, Hayden, and Maxwell Kruger, Justin, Katlin, and Melanie Rector, Brandon and Jacqueline Kruger; three great-grandchildren, Clara, Henry and Scarlett Kruger; and two step-grandchildren, Debra Tomastic and Hanna Moore.

Mr. Kruger attended Adams High School and joined the U.S. Navy in 1946 from which he was honorably discharged.

He was a letter carrier for the U. S. Postal Service for 37 years, retiring in 1985, delivering to the Wedgewood Park neighborhood. He also worked with his son Tim at the 7-11 a few years, part time at S & S Cleaners, and delivered cars for Basney Automotive. His final retirement was as a Lazy Boy tester. While working at the Post Office he was an active member of N.A.L.C., branch #330 and served as state president. He was also a member of T.P.A., American Turners, and was a charter member of Clay Church. He was a lifelong fan of the Chicago Cubs, Notre Dame, and enjoyed going to the casinos and playing Euchre with the Monday Night Euchre Club.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. Friday, July 12th in the Welsheimer Family Funeral Home North, 17033 Cleveland Rd. The family will receive friends in the funeral home on Thursday, July 11th from 4 until 8 p.m. Memorial contributions may be made to Camp Millhouse 25600 Kelly Rd. South Bend, IN, 46614 or the Center for Hospice Care, 111 Sunnybrook Ct., South Bend, IN, 46637. Family and friends may leave e-mail condolences at www.welsheimer.com.