Frank Kruger

Frank Charles Kruger died Wednesday, January 19, 2011 at Altru Hospital in Grand Forks at the age of 81. He was born March 6, 1929 in his parent’s farm home in Langdon Township, Cavalier County, ND. Frank was the son of Leopold and Amanda (Buchweitz) Kruger.

He attended elementary school in Dresden, ND and graduated from Langdon High School in 1947, where he enjoyed playing baseball. Frank served in the US Army from 1954 to 1956. He was stationed in Mannheim, Germany. He was part of the 510 Tank Battalion and served as a track vehicle mechanic. He was honorably discharged.

He attended Valley City University where he earned 2 degrees; a bachelor of science degree of elementary education and high school education. Frank wrestled in college and was inducted into the Valley City Hall of Fame for his achievements. He earned a masters degree in mathematics from NDSU.

Frank enjoyed reading, particularly about the military history of the WWII era and following the local news. He remained active throughout his life and enjoyed biking, going for walks around his farm and gardening. He remained a loyal fan of the Minnesota Twins.

He married Jean Gilbertson on July 22, 1972 in Lom Lutheran Church in rural Niagara, ND. They have three children; Kathy, Michael and Ann Marie. They raised their children on the family farmstead near Langdon, ND.

Frank taught high school students mathematics for 32 years at the public school in Cando, ND. He is a lifetime member of the National Education Association and the North Dakota Education Association. He is a life long member of Redeemer Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod in Langdon. He retired from teaching in 1993, and farmed in Cavalier County most of his life on the family farm. He lived on the farm with his wife until recently when he lived in Parkwood Place in Grand Forks, ND while receiving medical care.

Frank is survived by his wife Jean, daughter Kathy and her husband Jim and their three children Grace, Cole, Allison; son Michael and his wife Amy and their three children Sam, Ava, Katelyn; daughter Ann Marie; sister Alma Crockett; sister Shirley Krien and her husband Rubein; his uncle John Buchweitz; and many nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his parents Leopold and Amanda, and siblings Lawrence and Ruth.

He was loved by his family.

The celebration of Frank’s life will be held at the following: a memorial service at the Parkwood Place Chapel in Grand Forks, ND on Monday, January 24, 2011 at 4 p.m. and a funeral service at Redeemer Lutheran Church in Langdon, ND on Tuesday, January 25, 2011 at 2 p.m. with a one hour visitation prior. Brooks Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

Burial will be in the spring at Redeemer Lutheran Cemetery north of Dresden, ND

In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred.