James "Mike" Michael Kruger

James Michael “Mike” Kruger, 83, of Apple Canyon Lake passed away peacefully at home on September 6, 2023, with his beloved wife and family by his side. A visitation will be held from 10-11am, Wednesday, September 13, 2023, followed by a Funeral Mass at 11am at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Elizabeth. Burial will follow in St. Mary’s Cemetery with full Military Rites by the Elizabeth-Hanover VFW. There will be a luncheon at the church immediately following the services.

Mike was born January 14, 1940, in Osage, Iowa, the son of Everett and Beatrice (Naig) Kruger. He was a 1958 graduate of Fredericksburg, Iowa High School. Upon graduation, Mike spent time traveling to the West Coast before enlisting in the Army in 1960. During his tour he was stationed in Germany where he witnessed the building of the Berlin Wall. A member of the Berlin Brigade, 592 Signal Co., he worked in telephone communications at Checkpoint Charlie. While there, he installed the telephone system on Air Force One for President John F. Kennedy. He was honorably discharged after three years of service.

Mike’s experience in the military qualified him for a position as a lineman for Interstate (Alliant) Power Company. He would retire from the same company 37 years later. When the power was out, he responded regardless of the weather, hour, or day. The work was challenging but Mike reflected that he was proud of his career and gratified that he enjoyed his work.

It was at work that Mike met the love of his life, Mary. They were married on November 20th, 1965, and celebrated 57 years together. They settled in a home in the small town of Elizabeth where they raised their 4 children, Scott, John, Teresa, and Don. They enjoyed family vacations and would often pile the family in the camper and head to Wisconsin or go cruising down the Mississippi River on the houseboat. Mike had special memories of their trips to the Rocky Mountains and Ontario, Canada.

After retirement, Mike and Mary built a home and a hobby farm on their land. They raised chickens, tended cattle, kept a large garden and provided a home to many cats. Mike was knowledgeable about running a farm, handy, and skilled in small engine repair. In their later years, Mike and Mary moved to Apple Canyon Lake and enjoyed nature and boating.

The same year Mike and Mary were married, he became an avid Packer fan, and they enjoyed cheering on their team together. Mike was also a lifelong fisherman. He loved spending as much time as possible with his granddaughters. He taught them to fish at the stocked pond on the farmette.

Engaged in the Elizabeth community, Mike and Mary are long time members of St. Mary’s Catholic Church. For 15 years, Mike served as a volunteer firefighter. He was active with the Lion’s Club. And he was a proud, 50-year member of the IBEW, International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers.

He worked hard and when faced with adversity, it was met with grit and determination. For Father’s Day this year, Mike got a Super Dad cap which he loved and wore with pride. A hat befitting the man.

Mike will be dearly missed by his wife Mary; children, Scott (Alta) Kruger of Neenah, Wisconsin, John (Erin) Kruger of, Mt. Morris, Illinois, Dr. Teresa Kruger of Rockford, Illinois, and Don (Krista) Kruger of Cuba City, Wisconsin; sister, Lael Martin of Denton, Texas; and grandchildren, Christina Kruger (St. Louis, MO) and Abby, Julia, and Natalie Kruger (Cuba City, WI). Mike is preceded in death by his parents, three brothers-in-law, Jim (and wife Jill) Young, Bill Young and Joe Martin, and a sister-in-law, JoAnn Bonjour. Lastly, Tiggy, Abby, and Natty, Mike’s three feline companions will be purring for him.

The family would like to give special thanks to Dr. Vandigo, FHN Hospice, and the medical staff at Mercy One in Dubuque, IA.