David P. Kruger

On March 10, 2026, Reverend David P. Kruger known to many as Pastor Dave, passed away peacefully, leaving behind a legacy of faith, family, and service. He was born on November 6, 1936, in Iowa to Reverend Emil Kruger and Emma (Cornelius) Kruger.

Dave pursued his education at Wartburg College and Iowa State University, where he earned a Bachelor of Science in Chemical Engineering in 1958. After feeling called to the ministry, he attended the Lutheran School of Theology in Chicago, where he completed a Bachelor of Divinity degree in 1962. During his internship for his divinity degree he met and married Lynn Lee Perry of Toledo.

In his early years in the ministry, Pastor Dave found a passion for mission development with the Lutheran Church and went on to establish new congregations in Loveland, Ohio, Stevensville, Michigan, Brighton, Michigan and Plant City, Florida. One of his proudest moments was the groundbreaking ceremony for the first Lord of Life Lutheran Church building in Brighton, Michigan. After many years of mission development Pastor Dave served multiple churches in the Tampa Bay Area. Pastor Dave never met a stranger and loved to converse with others that needed a kind and supportive person to listen to them. His deep-rooted commitment to serve others was evident in all his actions.

It was his open and friendly nature that brought him to strike up a conversation while on jury duty which bloomed into romance with Debby. They were married in 1992. Outside of his ministry, Dave enjoyed spending time outdoors. His interests included cycling, hiking and mountain climbing, (Mt. Fuji, Mt. Whitney, and Kilimanjaro) which he enjoyed with his sons. He and Debby enjoyed traveling to all 50 US States and most Canadian Provinces, along with cruises and train travel in Europe, all of which reflected his appreciation for nature and love of adventure.

Most recently, Dave was a member of the Lutheran Church of Our Savior and remained deeply involved in his faith community throughout his retirement.

Dave is preceded in death by his parents Emil Kruger and Emma (Cornelius) Kruger as well as his sister Rosalia Dewald (Oliver Dewald).

He is survived by his beloved wife of 33 years, Debby Kruger. Together Dave and Debby blended their families into a loving and nurturing support team that helped them manage the hurdles that came in the last few years as Dave’s failing health complicated their busy lives.

Dave was devoted to his children: Michael Kruger (Becky Booth) of Denver, Colorado; Kelly Gollert (Howard Gollert) of Lakeland, Florida; Steven Kruger of Hummelstown, Pennsylvania; and Scott Kruger (Annie Kruger) of Falls Church, Virginia, and stepchildren Karen Pearson (Norman Pearson) of Gainesville, Florida, Paul Kralovanec of Tampa, Florida, David Kralovanec (Mary Beth Stanton) of Williston, Florida, as well as twelve loving grandchildren.

Dave is also survived by his siblings: Richard Kruger (Karen Kruger) of Angola, Indiana, Jim Kruger (Jacqui Kruger) of Farmington, Minnesota, Brian Kruger (Kotty Kruger) of Dayton, Ohio, and Fern Kruger (John Ylvisaker) of Waverly, Iowa, ex-wife, Lynn (Perry) Kruger of St. Augustine, Fl, along with many nieces, nephews, extended family, and friends who will cherish his memory.

Dave will be remembered for his faith, service to others, compassionate heart, and love for his family and community. His life was a testament to selfless service, kindness, and devotion.

A visitation will be held at Blount & Curry Funeral Home Oldsmar West Hillsborough Chapel, Tiffany Chapel, 6802 Silvermill Dr, Tampa, Florida 33635, on March 27, 2026, from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm.

A funeral service will be held at Lutheran Church of Our Saviour, 8401 W Hillsborough Ave, Tampa, Florida 33615, on March 28, 2026, at 11:00 am. Reception for family and friends to follow service.