Gary Lynn Kruger (81) of Effingham

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Published on September 8 2021 9:01 am

Gary Lynn Kruger, 81, of Effingham, IL passed away peacefully on Monday, September 6, 2021 at his home in rural Effingham.

Gary was born in Altamont, IL on September 11, 1939, to Henry Kruger and Ila Kelly Kruger. He married the love of his life, Marcie Ruholl, on September 14, 1968. She survives.

Gary is also survived by his children Kevin (Michelle) Kruger of Effingham, Michael (Lauretté) Kruger of Eureka, IL, and Amy (Marc) Sands of Colorado Springs, CO; grandchildren Ryan and Derek Kruger of Effingham, Ben, Sam, and Hope Kruger of Eureka, and Katie (Sam) Metcalfe of Morton, IL; brother Lyle (Rhea) Kruger of Effingham; and sister Shirley (the late Ken) McKee of Varna, IL.

He was preceded in death by his parents and his infant son, David.

Gary was a Civil Engineer by trade, working for over 40 years with the Illinois State Highway Department, Mautz and Oren Construction, and Cumberland County. As Cumberland County Engineer, he was instrumental in gaining funding for and constructing the covered bridge over the Embarras River on the National Road West of Greenup, IL. He had an inventive mind and, to his family, seemed capable of planning and building just about anything, from an elaborate two-story playhouse and a homemade go-cart for his kids to handcrafted toys and furniture for his kids and grandkids. Gary was a lifelong, self-professed car nut with more projects than time who instilled that same love in his sons and helped them restore their own classic cars. Most importantly, he was a devoted husband, proud father, and doting grandfather who quietly demonstrated his love for his family, in big ways and small, on a daily basis, even as he battled Alzheimer’s disease in the later years of his life.

Visitation will be held from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Friday, September 10, 2021 at Johnson Funeral Home, 1110 N. Fourth Street, Effingham. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, September 11, 2021 at St. Anthony of Padua Catholic Church, Effingham, where Gary was a long-time member. Interment will follow at St. Anthony Catholic Cemetery. Please wear a mask for all services.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association. Online condolences may be shared by clicking here.