Wallace James Kruger, 90, of Lincoln passed away March 11, 2016. Wally was born in Lincoln NE on September 29, 1925 to Herman and Emma Kruger, the oldest of 3 children. He attended Lutheran Parochial school until the family moved to Sterling Nebraska in 1935. He graduated from Sterling High School in 1944 and then attended the University of Nebraska for one semester prior to being drafted into the US Navy in January of 1944. He was one of the few to survive the sinking of the U.S.S. Bismarck Sea off the coast of Iwo Jima on February 21, 1944. He always felt that every day after that was a gift.
Wally returned to the University of Nebraska upon discharge from the Navy and received his degree in Accounting. In June of 1950, he married Lorraine Weishahn. They were blessed with 50 years of marriage prior to her passing in March of 2001. After the children were grown, they enjoyed spending winters in Arizona and a trip to Germany. Wally worked for Goodyear Tire and Rubber Company for 35 years and was Section Manager of General Accounting upon his retirement in 1987. Wally was known in the neighborhood as the “handy man” and was always willing to lend a hand when something needed fixing. He spent many hours in his shop working with wood and welding. Another love was walking the fields near Sterling hunting pheasant and quail with his dog.
Survivors include two children, Kathy Bollwitt of Great Falls Montana and Gary Kruger of Lincoln; grandchildren, Ellison (Kevin) Sanders of Coeur d’Alene Idaho, Michaela Bollwitt of Denver Colorado, and Dr. Brian Bollwitt of Salem, OR and one great-grandchild, Jace Sanders of Coeur d’Alene. Survivors also include his sisters Donita Wulf of Lincoln and Joyce Scott of Adams, NE, among numerous nieces and nephews.
A memorial service will be held at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church on Tuesday 3-15-16 at 10:00 a.m. followed by a Graveside Service at Lincoln Memorial Park Cemetery with Military Honors. A Public visitation Monday 3/14, starts at 3:00 p.m. with family present from 6-7:30 p.m. at Roper and Sons, 4300 O St.