Richard "Dick" Kruger

Richard "Dick" Allen Kruger, 79, of Atlanta, Georgia, passed away peacefully on March 12, 2024. Born on May 31, 1944, in Lafayette, Indiana, Dick was the son of the late Richard Allen Kruger and Bernice Beamer Kruger. He grew up in Monon, Indiana and attended Northwestern Military and Naval Academy in Lake Geneva, Wisconsin.

After high school, Dick attended Franklin College in Franklin, Indiana earning a degree in Political Science/Journalism in 1967. While in college, he worked for the college newspaper, developed a love for photography and photojournalism, and was a member of Sigma Alpha Epsilon fraternity. At Franklin, he met the love of his life, Linda Rey Hendrickson. They were married in August, 1967 and celebrated their 56th wedding anniversary in 2023.

Dick served in the United States Army as a writer and photojournalist during the Vietnam War from 1967 to 1969. He was a dedicated veteran and continued to support military causes throughout his life. After returning home, Dick attended Ball State University receiving a master's degree in advertising and public relations. He began his career in public relations with the Indiana Association of Cities and Towns. Shortly thereafter, Dick embarked on a long career in marketing, holding executive positions at IT&T, Bell & Howell, and eventually Education Management Corporation in Atlanta in 1983. He founded Professional Career Development Institute in 1986 with other family members, eventually growing the company to over 450 employees. The family sold their company in 2002, and Dick began enjoying a fulfilling retirement.

After retirement from his career in business, Dick loved working for various charities and faith organizations including Rainbows For All Children, Sandy Springs United Methodist Church and Emory Hospital. Dick was particularly passionate about working to provide transitional housing for the homeless through Open Door Community and with Bob Lupton at FCS Urban Ministries. He was admired for his unwavering integrity and generosity.

In addition to philanthropy, Dick also enjoyed fly fishing, hunting, shooting sporting clays, drag racing cars at Road Atlanta, wine collecting and international travel. He was a member of Sandy Springs United Methodist Church, the Cherokee Town and Country Club, the Cullasaja Club, the Burge Club, and Chaine des Rotisseurs.

Dick was a loving husband, father, and grandfather, known for his tenacious work ethic, steadfast devotion to family and friends, and his wry sense of humor. Those close to him know that he was invariably ready with a hilarious "one liner" and he was always the consummate host.

He is survived by his wife, Linda Hendrickson Kruger; daughter Kimberlee Kruger Perras and husband Russell James Jack of Charlotte, NC; daughter Julie Kruger McNulty and husband Timothy Edward McNulty of Atlanta, GA; grandchildren Kyle and Aidan Perras, Gavin and Graham McNulty, and Isabel and Emily Jack. He is preceded in death by his father, Richard Allen Kruger; mother, Bernice "Bunny" Kruger; and sister Kay Kruger McCutchan.

A memorial service will be held at Sandy Springs United Methodist Church, 86 Mt. Vernon Hwy, Sandy Springs, GA 30328, on Saturday, March 30, 2024, at 10:00 am.

In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to www.woundedwarriorproject.org or the charitable organization of your choosing.