Major Raymond Clarence Kruger, U.S. Army retired quietly entered into his heavenly rest on Friday, April 20, 2018 with his family by his side. Ray was born February 14, 1930 in Hutto, Texas. He is the son of Ewalt (Jim) and Janey Dove Kruger; and Mildred Hall Kruger, deceased.
Mr. Kruger attended Hutto schools and the University of Nebraska where he received his bachelor’s degree in 1970.
Mr. Kruger enlisted in the U.S Air Force in December 1949 and served over two years in the communication field. He transferred to the Army in 1952 and in 1953 was commissioned a second lieutenant in the Signal Corps at Fort Monmouth, New Jersey.
Mr. Kruger’s overseas assignment included Puerto Rico, Panama, Japan, Germany, Korea, Thailand and Vietnam. For his service in Vietnam he was awarded the Bronze Star and Air Medal with Oak Leaf Cluster. Major Kruger retired in December 1969 at Fort Hood, Texas, where he was stationed with the First Armored Division.
Mr. Kruger settled in Austin where he was employed by the Texas Health Department/Department of Human Services as State Program Manager for Early and Periodic Services Diagnosis and Treatment (EPSDT) Program for Child Health Services. He later became an Independent Real Estate Broker Investor. His favorite seasonal work as a Tax Preparer kept him busy. He was an outdoorsman, hunter, and fisherman, spending many enjoyable days in the lakes with his brothers or nephews.
Mr. Kruger was preceded in death by his parents; his sisters Margie Jane Kruger and Ruth K. Williamson; nephews Rick A. Meitzen and Randy Lynn Meitzen.
He is survived by a son, Fredrick Paul Kruger; a daughter Sally Rae Lechtenberg; granddaughter Hannah (Gragg) Roberts; Naomi Rae Lechtenberg; and five great-grandchildren. He is also survived by a sister Lorine Kruger (John) Meitzen; brothers Lonnie E. (Shirley) Kruger, and Jimmie A. (Ann) Kruger, by many nephews and nieces and especially by a very special nephew, Ray Steven Meitzen.
Viewing and family visitation will be held on Friday, April 27, 2018 at Cook Walden Funeral Home, 6100 North Lamar Blvd, Austin, Texas from 9:30-11:00 am followed by the funeral service. Interment will be held at 2:00 pm in Hutto City Cemetery, 103 Creek Ledge Drive, Hutto, Texas with full military honors.
Pallbearers will be Russell Schulz, Jon Paul Williams, Klifton Kruger, Janey Meitzen, Gragg Roberts and Mathis Hale. Honorary pallbearer will be Ray Steven Meitzen.
In lieu of flowers, memorial may be made to the American Cancer Society, American Heart Association or your favorite charity.
To share condolences with the family, please visit www.cookwaldenfuneralhome.com.
