Kruger, John L

John Lewis Kruger,88, a lifelong resident of Haddam Neck, passed away on July 16th at his home, surrounded by his loving family. John was born at home on May 23, 1933.

He attended East Hampton Schools graduating in 1952. He served in the United States Army during the Korean Conflict, stationed in Munich, Germany. A dairy farmer most of his life, he was also employed by CT Yankee Atomic Power Plant. Generations of local children will remember him as the lovable bus driver for several school districts,including Vinal, East Hampton and H-K. He was a member of the Haddam Neck Congregational Church and the Haddam Neck Fair Association. He

served the community as a volunteer firefighter being a charter member of Haddam Neck Fire Department. He was an avid John Wayne enthusiast and loved to watch westerns.

John leaves behind his brother Roger (Marcia) Kruger of Haddam Neck, his children, Karen Kruger of Haddam Neck, Paul (Nora) Kruger of Watertown, NY, Kirsten Kruger (Arthur Barillaro)of Meriden, and Keri (Kelly Jay) Milbrecht of Simpsonville, KY; his step children, Deborah (Alan) Wood, Cindy Naughton, Amy Grillo and John Shail,18 grandchildren and 19 great grandchildren. Preceded in death by his parents, Paul Lewis Kruger

and Elizabeth Meyer Kruger, his first wife, Zara Sweet Thomson and his beloved third wife of 42 years, Phyllis Lougee Kruger, step-son Stephen Shail, step-son-in-law

Robert Naughton, and step-grandson Kevin Naughton.

A memorial service to celebrate his life will be held on Saturday, July 24th,11:00am at Haddam Neck Congregational Church. In lieu of flowers,memorial contributions may be made to the Haddam Neck Congregational Church, Haddam Neck Fire Department or Beacon Hospice of East Hartford,ct.

Please sign guestbook at courant.com/obituaries