Obituary

Ray C. Kruger, 69 of Crystal River, passed away June 1, 2016. He was born May 24, 1947 in Rochester, MN and came here 22 years ago from Deland, FL.
He was of the Methodist faith. Mr. Kruger was retired from Florida Power, Progress Energy and Duke Energy after
43 years of service as a Coal Plant Operator and Mechanic. He was Vice President and Delegate to System Council U-8 I.B.E.W Local 1491 while working at the Turner Plant in Enterprise, FL. He held positions of Vice President, Union Steward and Chief of Executive Board while working at the Crystal River Plant. He was a US Army veteran of the Vietnam War stationed in Korea from 1965 to 1968.
Ray was a man of his word and stood by his principles. He loved visiting with friends and having good conversation. Ray had an intense appreciation for nature and he enjoyed digging in the dirt out on his prairie tending to growing his sago palms. Ray was a master mechanic and worked on small engines and vehicle repairs.
He was preceded in death by his father Howard Kruger, his wife Pamela Kruger and his son Shelby Kruger. He is survived by his son Brant Kruger of Debary, FL, his mother Mrs. Mildred Kruger of Rochester, MN, brothers Roy Kruger (Nancy) of Byron, MN and Randy Kruger (Heather), a sister Marilyn Messmer both of Rochester, MN, his granddaughter Sedona Kruger, his loving companion Marian Nosal of Crystal River and his beloved pet cat "Mr. Big".
Funeral services will be held at 1 PM on Monday June 6th at the Strickland Funeral Home Chapel in Crystal River. Visitation for family and friends is from 12 Noon until service time. Burial with military honors will follow at Dunnellon Memorial Gardens cemetery. Strickland Funeral Home with Crematory of Crystal River is in charge of arrangements.
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Published in Citrus County Chronicle on June 4, 2016.