William Henry Krug

A celebration of Bill’s life will be held at 11:00 on Saturday, August 10, 2024, at Commerce United Methodist Church, 1155 North Commerce Road, Commerce Township, Michigan. Prior to the service, there will be a visitation gathering starting at 10:00 and after, a luncheon and sharing of stories.

Born in Detroit and raised in Brighton, Bill's journey led him to Commerce Township in 1956, where he settled after finding and marrying his shining star, Ruth, whom he met through an American Youth Hostels program. Bill honed his skills at Henry Ford Trade School as a teenager before earning a BA in Business from the University of Detroit and an Executive MBA from Michigan State University. His career in automotive engineering sales and service spanned decades, punctuated by 14 years of service in the Michigan National Guard.

Bill was proud of his German heritage, and he embraced life with optimism, humor, and a welcoming spirit that endeared him to all. He had a knack for making friends easily, believing that everyone was worthy of love and respect.

Commerce United Methodist Church was an integral part of Bill’s life. He helped move the chapel to the hill upon which it currently resides and where he remained an active member for more than 70 years. He was also pivotal in planning and building the new sanctuary. He is best known as a church greeter, legendary for being the first to welcome new attendees and bring them into the church congregation.

Bill and Ruth cultivated a rich life on Carroll Lake where they shared 67 years of happiness together, raising their daughters amid laughter and adventures. From swimming, canoeing and sailing to gardening and feeding sandhill cranes, their home was a haven of love and exploration. They taught their children to share their passion for nature, travel, camping, hiking, music and God.

In his final years at Independence Village, White Lake Township, Bill found contentment in his "bubble," surrounded by warmth and care.

Bill treasured his family above all else, His adoring daughters have been an incredible strength for him during the past few years and he lives on in them:

Kathleen (Charles) Baldwin, Nancie (Earl) Stoddard, Shirley (Wayne) Schattenkerk, and Mary Krug. He is also survived by ten extraordinary grandchildren and three great-grandchildren who brought him endless joy: Rebecca (Jason) Bullok, Laura (Ben) Garrison, Victoria and Dylan Baldwin, Jared, Connor and Brenna Schattenkerk, Will and Grace Recla, and Zachary (Paola) Stoddard; Astra and Oberon Bullok, Oscar Garrison (and Baby Bullock on the way). Bill is also survived by two cherished foster daughters, Jean Zubal and Barbara Blue, who Ruth and he raised through their teenage years. as well as his loving brother- and sister-in-law, Charles & Marilyn Wells. Bill was predeceased by his beloved wife, Ruth (Wells) Krug and dearest brother, Roy Krug.

His love and guidance will forever enrich the lives of those he cherished. Bill was unique and precious, and the world is a better place for having known him. He will live on in our hearts forever