Russell H. Krueger

WICHITA - Krueger, Russell Herman, 87, of Wichita, Kansas died Saturday, August 6, 2016. Russ was born June 29, 1929 in Hillsboro, KS to Herman and Bessie Mae Krueger. He was a student at Thorp No. 19 and Peabody Schools and worked on the family farm between Peabody and Aulne, Kansas.  After he graduated Wichita East High in 1948, he served in the U.S Navy as an Air Traffic Controller during the Korean War. He was stationed in San Francisco, Hawaii and Kwajalein. While in the Kwajalein control tower, he was eyewitness to the Castle Bravo first hydrogen bomb test and the United States largest nuclear detonation. Russ graduated from Wichita State University in 1958 with a degree in Geology. While at Wichita University, Russ met the love of his life, Ruth Patricia Foley. They were married April July 27, 1957 at Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church.  Russ worked as a regional sales representative for utility pipe companies including Johns Manville, Capco and Carsonite. He was an avid classic car collector, Packard Club member and dedicated volunteer for KSAWWA, the Girl Scouts, Elks Club, the Class of 1948 East High Reunion Committee and his Church, where served as CYO Advisor, Finance Committee member, Eucharistic Minister, Usher, and Serra Club of Wichita member.  A one-of-kind storyteller, Russ brought laughter and smiles to all he met with his witticism and ditties. His honesty, loyalty and compassion was an example to many. He was a dedicated friend, surrogate father, devoted papa, uncle, brother and best dad ever to his children and their friends. He was, most of all, a sweetheart to his true love Ruthie for 59 years.  He is survived by his wife, Ruth (Foley); children, Karen Haque (Gavin) of Royal Oak, MI; Kathy Anderson (Kevin) of Niagara Falls, Canada; Mary Krueger (Andres) of New York, NY; Kristina Page (Joe) of Springfield, MO and Gretchen Mitchell & Kurt Krueger of Wichita, KS; sisters, Dorothy Brink of Andover, KS, & Bonnie Landrum (Leon) of Big Cabin, OK; grandchildren Helen, Claire & Alex Anderson; William Mitchell; Wesley and Nathaniel Page. He is preceded in death by his parents, Bessie Mae and Herman Krueger. 

The Rosary will be recited 7:00 p.m., Monday, and the Funeral Mass will be held at 11:00 a.m., Tuesday, August 16, 2016,  both at St. Francis of Assisi, 861 N. Socora, Wichita, 67212.  In Lieu of flowers, memorials have been established with Saint Francis of Assisi Church, and the Lazarex Cancer Foundation that made it possible for his children to travel with him for a treatment study at the National Institute of Health, www.lazarex.org, 925-309-8664, P.O. Box 741, Danville, CA 94526.