In Memory Of
Thomas Leroy Kruger
1946
2022
Thomas Leroy Kruger
May 22, 1946 — October 12, 2022
Thomas LeRoy Kruger, 76, of Silver Lake, passed away Wednesday, October 12, 2022.
He was born May 22, 1946, in Topeka, Kansas, the son of Charles Wesley and Roberta Nadine (Brantingham) Kruger. He was a 1965 graduate of Silver Lake High School, where he met the love of his life, Doris. After high school Tom joined the United States Air Force and fought in the Vietnam War, earning a Honorable Discharge in 1970. Tom also served in the Army National Guard, earning an Honorable Discharge in 1978.
An electrician by trade, Tom was employed by Hallmark Cards in Topeka for 20 years and later for Burlington Northern Santa Fe Railroad until retiring in 2003.
Tom is survived by his high school sweetheart, Doris Ann (Jordan) Kruger, of the home. Other survivors include four children, Tammy (Colby) Greenlee of Havensville, KS, Cristie (Travis) Francis of Sedgwick, KS, Jennifer (Mike) Bush of Shawnee, KS and Tommy (Misty) Kruger of Silver Lake, KS; 11 grandchildren, Dusti (Robert) Moreno, Casie (Tanner) Giffin, Brittani (Cris) Burgos, Bethanie Francis (Logan Thompson), Baylie (Hunter) Womack, Brayden Francis, Gavin Bush, Kayleigh Kruger, Katie Bush, Thomas Kruger III and Ryken Kruger; great-grandchildren, Rudy Giffin , Mateo Burgos, Wyatt Moreno, Gatlin Giffin, Remington Moreno and another great-granddaughter expected in February; three sisters, Barbara Frey of Silver Lake, KS, Beverly (Russell) Canaday of Independence, KS and Marilyn Kruger Foresman of Silver Lake, KS; two brothers, Charles (Gloria) Kruger of Crystal Lake, IL and Hank (Sandy) Kruger of Ozawkie, KS; and numerous nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents and twin great-grandchildren, Bo Robert Thompson and Ellie Marie Thompson.
Tom enjoyed spending time with family, especially his grandchildren, attending their sporting events, watching western movies and listening to Elvis. He was an avid story-teller and you never knew if he was telling a factual story or adding a lot of self-made embellishments. He was passionate about his kid's activities as they were growing up, serving as a coach for many years and becoming well-known to refs when being asked to leave events when his passion became too much. He loved to joke and pull pranks, wanting to always make people smile. Through all the years one thing never changed - his love for Doris Ann.
Honoring his request, cremation is planned. A celebration of his life will be at 10:00 a.m., Monday, October 24, 2022 at the Silver Lake First Baptist Church, 3439 NW Hoch Road, Silver Lake, KS. Parker Price Cremations, Funerals & Receptions in Topeka is assisting the family.
Memorial contributions may be made to The Silver Lake USD 372 Public School Foundation via Silver Lake Bank.
To leave a special message for Tom's family, please visit the guestbook below.
He was born May 22, 1946, in Topeka, Kansas, the son of Charles Wesley and Roberta Nadine (Brantingham) Kruger. He was a 1965 graduate of Silver Lake High School, where he met the love of his life, Doris. After high school Tom joined the United States Air Force and fought in the Vietnam War, earning a Honorable Discharge in 1970. Tom also served in the Army National Guard, earning an Honorable Discharge in 1978.
An electrician by trade, Tom was employed by Hallmark Cards in Topeka for 20 years and later for Burlington Northern Santa Fe Railroad until retiring in 2003.
Tom is survived by his high school sweetheart, Doris Ann (Jordan) Kruger, of the home. Other survivors include four children, Tammy (Colby) Greenlee of Havensville, KS, Cristie (Travis) Francis of Sedgwick, KS, Jennifer (Mike) Bush of Shawnee, KS and Tommy (Misty) Kruger of Silver Lake, KS; 11 grandchildren, Dusti (Robert) Moreno, Casie (Tanner) Giffin, Brittani (Cris) Burgos, Bethanie Francis (Logan Thompson), Baylie (Hunter) Womack, Brayden Francis, Gavin Bush, Kayleigh Kruger, Katie Bush, Thomas Kruger III and Ryken Kruger; great-grandchildren, Rudy Giffin , Mateo Burgos, Wyatt Moreno, Gatlin Giffin, Remington Moreno and another great-granddaughter expected in February; three sisters, Barbara Frey of Silver Lake, KS, Beverly (Russell) Canaday of Independence, KS and Marilyn Kruger Foresman of Silver Lake, KS; two brothers, Charles (Gloria) Kruger of Crystal Lake, IL and Hank (Sandy) Kruger of Ozawkie, KS; and numerous nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents and twin great-grandchildren, Bo Robert Thompson and Ellie Marie Thompson.
Tom enjoyed spending time with family, especially his grandchildren, attending their sporting events, watching western movies and listening to Elvis. He was an avid story-teller and you never knew if he was telling a factual story or adding a lot of self-made embellishments. He was passionate about his kid's activities as they were growing up, serving as a coach for many years and becoming well-known to refs when being asked to leave events when his passion became too much. He loved to joke and pull pranks, wanting to always make people smile. Through all the years one thing never changed - his love for Doris Ann.
Honoring his request, cremation is planned. A celebration of his life will be at 10:00 a.m., Monday, October 24, 2022 at the Silver Lake First Baptist Church, 3439 NW Hoch Road, Silver Lake, KS. Parker Price Cremations, Funerals & Receptions in Topeka is assisting the family.
Memorial contributions may be made to The Silver Lake USD 372 Public School Foundation via Silver Lake Bank.
To leave a special message for Tom's family, please visit the guestbook below.
To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Thomas Leroy Kruger, please visit our flower store.
Service Schedule
Past Services
Celebration of Life
Monday, October 24, 2022
Starts at 10:00 am (Central time)
Silver Lake
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