Richard A. Kruger
Sergeant Richard A. Kruger, 26 of Wisconsin Rapids died of a form of leukemia at Percy Jones Hospital, Battle Creek, Michigan on July 25th, 1946. Sergeant Richard A. Kruger's funeral was arranged by the Baker Mortuary in Wisconsin Rapids.
As a child, Sergeant Kruger was quite a prankster. Always playing jokes on his older brother, Charles and his younger brother, Edward. He, his brothers and his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Walter E. Kruger traveled a lot and did many different things together.
Sometimes his mother would bring home chocolate covered cherries. They were only allowed one a day, after supper. Richard or "Rich" as they called him would poke a hole in the bottom and eat all the juice first to make it last longer.
As a teenager, Richard worked at the Rapids Theater as an usher. Later, he graduated from Lincoln High School in 1938. He started working at the Biron Division of Consolidated Water Power and Paper Company soon after.
Richard Kruger lived in Wisconsin Rapids all his life. He was in the Air Force and stationed in Egypt. He fell ill while in action. Richard was transferred back to Atlantic City, New Jersey for medical attention in July of 1945. Later he was transferred to Percy Jones Hospital where he died. While hospitalized, Richard wrote about his experience during the war. He even sent pictures. After his family received word that he had died there was a new silence over their house. They were all heartbroken.
Richard had never married before entering the Army Air Corp. He did have a girlfriend whose name is unknown. Richard wanted to be a soldier. He enlisted in the army along with his two brothers, Charles and Edward Kruger, who both made it home. Charles was stationed around Berlin and Edward was stationed in the Philippines.
As of 2008, Richard's brothers and parents have passed away. His brother, Charles, died of colon cancer and his brother, Edward, died of a different form of leukemia than Richard. Richard has a sister-in-law living here in Wisconsin Rapids, Mrs. Edward Kruger. Most of the information came from her and her daughter.
Those who died in the war deserve a lot more than a little biography. They were brave soldiers and will always remain our heroes. Thank you to Mrs. Edward Kruger and her daughter for sharing details and pictures of Richard Kruger's life with me. I am amazed by the life of this American hero and thankful for his sacrifice and the sacrifice that his family had to endure.
Written by,
Sara Steward, East Junior High Student
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