KRUGER, Paul Frederick 1898-1942

KRUGER, FINK, MCCOWAN

Posted By: Marilyn O'Connor (email)
Date: 5/30/2008 at 09:29:55

Paul Kruger Dies
While on Pheasant
Hunt Thursday

Paul F. Kruger, 44, son of Mr. and Mrs. Fred Kruger of Orchard died last Thursday from a heart attack which occured on a pheasant hunting trip in Orange township Black Hawk county.
Mr. Kruger was employed at the Chamberlain corporation at Waterloo and had gone on the hunting trip with a party of five fellow workers from the plant. When the group arrived at a field where they planned to hunt, Paul complained of a chest pain and said he would remain in the automobile until he felt better.

He had been stricken when the men returned a short time later. They took him to Presbyterian hospital, where he died a half hour later.

- Born in Mitchell County -

Paul Frederick Kruger was born Feb. 27, 1898 in Mitchell county, near Little Cedar, a son of Frederick and Gertrude Kruger. He spent his boyhood there and at Orchard and called the last named place home until about 20 years ago when he moved to Waterloo.

About 17 years ago he married Gladys McGowan in Hannibal Mo. They are separated and she now lives at Center, Mo.

Surviving also is a daughter, Patsy Ruth, of Waterloo, his parents at Orchard; his brothers, Everett Kruger, Chester, and Robert Kruger, Orchard; also a sister, Mrs. Milo Fink of Orchard. Twin daughters and two sisters are dead.

- 18 Months in Navy -

Paul or "Hip" as he was affectionately called by his friends, was a saxaphone and clarinet player, and for 18 months was a member of the United States navy during and after World War 1, as a member of the band on a battle ship, which was a convoy escort. He made several ocean trips. After the armistice Paul was stationed in Panama for three months.

He returned home after the war and played with several large dance bands. When C.G. Arsers took his dance band to Texas several winter seasons to fill hotel engagements, Paul was a member of the organization. He played for years with the Kelley Brothers orchestra of Osage.

While the family lived in the vicinity of Little Cedar he was a member of the Methodist church.

- Funeral Sunday -

Funeral service was held Sunday at the Kearns Garden chapel at Waterloo, conducted by Dr. Frank Court, pastor of the Lincoln Methodist church, Waterloo, well known to the family, as Dr. Court was pastor of the Osage Methodist church a number of years before moving to Waterloo.

A military service was conducted at the grave in Memorial Park cemetery by members of Becker-Chapman post, American Legion. Casket bearers were six members of Waterloo local 334 American Federation of Musicians of which he was a member.

[Mitchell County Press and Osage News - Nov. 19, 1942]