Robert Kruger, 84, of Ottawa, passed away on Thursday, December 16, 2021 at the Ottawa Pavilion.
Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. on Monday December 20, 2021 at the Mueller Funeral Home in Ottawa, with Rev. Philip Potaczek, Pastor of Trinity Lutheran Church, officiating. Burial will follow at Oakwood Memorial Park, where full military rites will be accorded by the American Legion Post 33 Honor Guard. Visitation will from 9 to 11 a.m. on Monday, at the funeral home. Due to current State of Illinois guidelines, face coverings will be required.
Robert was born on August 16, 1937 in Streator to Robert and Ruth (Jennings) Kruger. He was a graduate of Ottawa Township High School, class of 1955. Robert married Esther Eisert on August 24, 1958 at the Trinity Lutheran Church, in Ottawa. He was a retired from the US Army Reserve, where he had achieved the rank of Command Sergeant Major. Robert was a union carpenter and the Construction Superintendent. He was a member of the Local 166, 195 and 174. Robert was President of the Local Union, and served on the Executive Board and the District Council.
He is survived by his wife, Esther; a son, Dale (Denise) Kruger, of Ottawa; and a sister, Karen Cates, of Morris.
He was preceded in death by his parents; and two sisters, Patsy June Kruger, at birth,
and Sharon Calhoun.
Pallbearers will be Dave Walton, Gary Garbowski, Frank Youmans, Bill Cairns, Norman Perona, and Dave Peterson.
He was laid to rest in the Garden of the Last Supper.