Obituary: Kent Kruger

MADISON - Kent A. Kruger, age 53, passed away suddenly on Friday, Oct. 7, 2005. He was born on Jan. 5, 1952, in Madison, the son of Walter and Cora (Kelly) Kruger. Kent attended Central High School, and graduated from Madison West High School. He was united in marriage to Karen Trapp, on Sept. 8, 1973, in East Bristol. Kent was a supervisor for the Dane County Public Safety Communications for 25 years. He was a Captain of the Town of Madison Volunteer Fire Department, for more than 35 years. Kent was an executive council person for APCO International, and a fire instructor at Madison Area Technical Colleg for many years. He was a member of the Elks Lodge and he was a racing fan. Kent is survived by his loving wife of 32 years, Karen of Madison; daughter, Katie of Monona; and his son, Ben of Madison. He is further survived by his sisters, Lavonne (Bill) Borchardt of Madison and Jan (Andy) Knapton of Oregon; brothers and best friends, Walter "Pat" Kruger of Madison and Dennis (Evelyn) Kruger of Oregon; and nieces, nephews and many friends. Kent was preceded in death by his parents; two sisters, Joan Herrick and Vivian Edwards; and a brother, James Kruger. Funeral services will be held at GUNDERSON EAST FUNERAL HOME, 5203 Monona Drive, at 6 p.m. on Tuesday, Oct. 11, 2005. Visitation will be at the funeral home from 3 p.m. until 6 p.m. on Tuesday. Kent was a big guy with a big heart. We love you and miss you. Gunderson East Funeral & Cremation Centers (608) 221-5420.

Originally published in the Wisconsin State Journal on October 9, 2005

Note: Based on his age and the fact that he attended Central High School but graduated from West, Kent Kruger was probably a Junior when Central closed in 1969.