Keith William Kruger, 84, of Traverse City, passed away peacefully on Saturday, June 28, 2014 at Munson Medical Center.

Keith was born on November 1, 1929 in Grand Rapids, MI to the late William and Marion (Smith) Kruger. He married Evelyn Brown on April 11, 1958 in Traverse City. Together they lovingly raised five wonderful children.

Keith graduated from Traverse City Central High School in the class of 1948. Following his schooling he worked at ACE Hardware for over 50 dedicated years. He loved his years at ACE Hardware, meeting the public and helping them with their hardware needs and always with a smile on his face. After retirement, he enjoyed puttering in his yard, spending time at the family cottage on Long Lake and doing woodworking projects. In his off time he enjoyed reading and watching sports on TV.

Keith always tried to live by his favorite quote "I like to see a man proud of the place in which he lives. I like to see a man live so that his place will be proud of him" by Abraham Lincoln. He succeeded in our eyes and he will fondly be remembered for his soft spoken and gentle nature. Keith was a wonderful family man and friend. He will be sadly missed by all who knew him.

Surviving Keith is his wife of 56 years, Evelyn; children David (Gloria) Kruger of Bellevue NE, Barbara (James) Ditmer of Granger IN, Michael (Karol Guernsey) Kruger of Ludington MI, Curtiss (Katy) Kruger of Tacoma WA, Jennifer (Gordon) Robinson of Buckley MI, grandchildren, Christopher (Mary) Maurer, Chad Ditmer, Jill (Michael) Cosey, Angela and Michael Kruger, Sheila (Lee) Haish, Shelli Beeman, great grandchildren, Nathan, Grace, Addison, Kiran, Julian, Cole, Justin, Joshua, Autumn, Amber, a sister Jeanette Oatley and many other loving family members and friends.

Keith is preceded in death by his parents, his brother Bruce, his beloved dog Gypsy and his cat, Katt.


Visitation for Keith will take place on Wednesday, July 2 from 4-8pm at the Reynolds-Jonkhoff Funeral Home. Funeral services will take place at 11am on Thursday, July 3, 2014 also at the funeral home with a visitation beginning at 10am. Pastor Chris Lane will officiate. Memorial contributions may be directed to the Cherryland Humane Society. Please sign Keith's online guestbook at www.reynolds-jonkhoff.com . The family is being served by the Reynolds-Jonkhoff Funeral Home.