John Kruelle

After a long battle with cancer and AD John passed away during the morning hours of March 19, 2024, at home and in his sleep. His immediate family members were informed several months ago that John would not recover from his illnesses. His family was blessed to have the opportunity to come to grips with this news and be able, in their minds, to say farewell to John every day.

Right after high school John joined the U.S. Navy. He wanted to see the world - and that he did. During the next 2 decades, in between some tours of duty in the USA and aboard ship, he was stationed in Germany, Turkey, the Philippines, the Vietnam arena, Japan and Cyprus. After 20 years of service John retired but, after a couple of years working outside the military way of life, he was offered to work for the Department of Navy as a civilian, he jumped at the chance. He stayed with the Dept. of Navy for more than ten years, He finally retired for good, shortly after a plane hit the Pentagon - -- within walking distance of his office -- on 9-11-2001.

John is predeceased by his father Walter, his mother Marie and brother Walter; brothers-in-law Waldemar and Guenther; sisters-in-law Martha, Marianne und Else.

He is survived by his wife Winnie, daughter Denise, son Allan, grandson Jakob; brother Rick (Sharon) and their son Eric (Jenn) and grandsons Jacob and Benjamin; John's brother Walter's widow Naomi; Walter and Naomi's children (Vicki, Scott, Brian) and grandchild (Christopher); daughter-in-law Pat and family; brother-in-law Ralf; brother-in law Alfred and his daughters Anja and Brigitte (Frank); as well as additional cousins, nieces, nephews and friends,,.. here in the US and in Europe.

John was an outgoing and giving man, always ready to help. He particularly enjoyed lending a hand in the construction and painting of the church building where he attended services until the Covid 19 pandemic and his ill health caused John to miss out on a substantial part of the life he once knew. -- John will be remembered and missed.

In lieu of flowers the family suggests an IN MEMORIAM donation to Living Hope Lutheran Church

A visitation for John will be held Monday, April 1, 2024 at 12:00 PM at Living Hope Lutheran Church, 325 Courthouse Rd., Stafford, VA. A celebration of life will occur Monday, April 1, 2024 at 12:30 PM, 325 Courthouse Rd., Stafford, VA. An inurnment will occur Monday, April 1, 2024 at 2:30 PM at Quantico National Cemetery, 18424 Joplin Rd, Triangle, Virginia 22172.