Frank Kruger

Frank Charles Kruger died Wednesday, January, 19, 2011 at Altru Hospital in Grand Forks at the age of 81. He was born March 6, 1929 in his parent’s farm home in Langdon Township, Cavalier County, ND. Frank was the son of Leopold and Amanda (Buchweitz) Kruger.

He attended elementary school in Dresden, ND and graduated from Langdon High School in 1947, where he enjoyed playing baseball. Frank served in the US Army from 1954 to 1956. He was stationed in Mannheim, Germany. He was part of the 510 Tank Battalion and served as a track vehicle mechanic. He was honorably discharged.

He attended Valley City University where he earned 2 degrees; a bachelor of science degree of elementary education and high school education. Frank wrestled in college and was inducted into the Valley City Hall of Fame for his achievements. He earned a masters degree in mathematics from NDSU.

Frank enjoyed reading, particularly about the military history of the WWII era and following the local news. He remained active throughout his life and enjoyed biking, going for walks around his farm and gardening. He remained a loyal fan of the Minnesota Twins.

He married Jean Gilbertson on July 22, 1972 in Lom Lutheran Church in rural Niagara, ND. They have three children; Kathy, Michael and Ann Marie. They raised their children on the family farmstead near Langdon, ND.

Frank taught high school students mathematics for 32 years at the public school in Cando, ND. He is a lifetime member of the National Education Association and the North Dakota Education Association. He is a life long member of Redeemer Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod in Langdon. He retired from teaching in 1993, and farmed in Cavalier County most of his life on the family farm. He lived on the farm with his wife until recently when he lived in Parkwood Place in Grand Forks, ND while receiving medical care.

Frank is survived by his wife Jean, daughter Kathy and her husband Jim and their three children Grace, Cole, Allison; son Michael and his wife Amy and their three children Sam, Ava, Katelyn; daughter Ann Marie; sister Alma Crockett; sister Shirley Krien and her husband Rubein; his uncle John Buchweitz; and many nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his parents Leopold and Amanda, and siblings Lawrence and Ruth.

He was loved by his family.

The celebration of Frank’s life will be held at the following: a memorial service at the Parkwood Place Chapel in Grand Forks, ND on Monday, January 24, 2011 at 4 p.m. and a funeral service at Redeemer Lutheran Church in Langdon, ND on Tuesday, January 25, 2011 at 2 p.m. with a one hour visitation prior. Brooks Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

Burial will be in the spring at Redeemer Lutheran Cemetery north of Dresden, ND

In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred.

The Brooks Funeral Home of Langdon is in Charge of the Arrangements

Jean and family so sorry to hear of the loss of Frank you have my sympathy. Marilyn Kram

Frank was a fantastic teacher and a fine person. He cared about all of his students, and was always concerned that we understood what he was trying to teach us. I was privileged to take several different math classes, and I always felt that I came out of his classes knowing a lot more than when I went in. I remember that the first day in his class as 7th graders, we were all mindful of his reputation as a strict disciplinarian, but we soon learned that the man with the big voice (and bigger sneeze) gave as much respect to his students as they gave to him. I have many fond memories of Frank, from the hundreds of hours spent in his classroom to the regular, if not daily, discussions about hot topics, such as the Twins or the Vikings. Occasionally we would wager a quarter or a candy bar (he always preferred a Mr Goodbar) on the outcome of a Vikings game or the Super Bowl, and he was always a gracious winner as well as a good loser.

Frank will be dearly missed by everyone whose life he touched, and memories of him will be cherished for a long time. Mike Farbo

I have the fondest memories of Mr. Kruger--as a great and patient teacher and as a kind and caring person. I was not a sterling math student, but he always made me feel as if I had a contribution and was a valued member of his class. The educational system needs more "Mr. Krugers" who truly care about their students. God bless his memory and his family.

Jean and family- We are sad to read of Mr. Kruger's death. We have many fond memories of our high school years in Cando, ND. We graduated in 1976. I also remember seeing Mr. Kruger occaisonally at the site of the teacher's convention. He had a great sense of humor and it was a pleasure to converse with him about many topics, especially education as we are both teachers also.Our prayers and thoughts are with you and your family.

Jean and family, My sympathy to you all. Frank was such a wonderful friend to Olaf when they both taught at Cando. He will be missed.My thoughts and prayers are with you.

To the Kruger Family, Please know that your husband, father, grandfather was a wonderful man. He was an inspirational teacher...and patient with those for whom math wasn't easy! He was always cheerful and kind to each and every student. I remember him very fondly and am grateful for the positive influence he had in my life.

Our sympathy to the family, I was your oldest daughter's Sunday school teacher when she was three in Cando, Our thoughts and prayers are with you.

My sympathies to Mr. Kruger's family. He is one of the teachers at Cando Public School that I will never forget. He was a very good teacher as well as a very nice man. He will be greatly missed.

Jean and family- our deepest sympathy to you and your family in the loss of a dear husband and father. God be with you.

Both of us had Frank for math classes and give him high marks as a teacher. He was very much respected by his students. Pat still tries to sneeze as loud but hasn't quite mastered it! He was definitely a person that had a positive influence on students and we won't forget him.

We are sorry to hear of Frank's passing. Our sympathy to you all. Richard & Marilyn McDougall

Frank will always be special in our minds because we shared a house in Cando, ND when we first moved to Cando. He was single and had an apartment in the same house that we rented. He thought he would have peace and quiet, but the Ackre's came and within 3 years there were 3 children in our lives. Frank said he had just as many sleepless nights as we did because of the thin walls in the house. He also was a teacher to these same children as the years passed. They loved him and enjoyed his classroom as well as a mentor.

My sincere sympathy to Franks family. He was my Math teacher in Cando, and he taught even me the fine points of algebra, by making me get up to the board, and talk me through the problems. He was the best!!! The accolades came on earth, as well as they will Heaven for such a wonderful man.

Dear Michael and Amy, sorry to hear of your father's passing. My prayers are with you and your family. Jodi Deitz

Our deepest sympathy to all. Frank was a wonderful husband, father, and friend to many. God Bless all the wonderful memories that you carry forward.

Our sympathies to all of you at this difficult time...Frank was our neighbor for many years..and a much respected man and teacher in the Cando schools. Our children were lucky to have had him as their teacher..we always enjoyed visiting with you two over the years, occasionally running into you somewhere, visiting about your family and ours.

Mr. Kruger, my teacher of science and math, from 8th grade through high school, was such a good teacher with discipline, patience, and humor. And yes... when he sneezed the roof shook. May his family be blessed by the knowledge that his influence continues.

I just wanted to send my condolences or your loss. Frank(Mr. Kruger) taught me Math from 7th grade until I graduated in 1982. He also taught my five brothers. We have been e-mailing back and forth all day reminiscing on our favorite "Mr. Kruger" stories. Three of us are teachers now and we all appreciate immensely how much of himself he gave to his students. He cared. So, thanks to your family for sharing him with all his students.

My sincere condolences to the family of Frank Kruger. Frank was one of my favorite teachers from my days as a student at Cando. I caught his enthusiasm for mathematics and truly appreciated his encouragement to learn. I deeply respected him as a teacher and didn't want to disappoint him. As I reflect back on my life in Cando and on those who have had a meaningful influence on my life, I can truly say that I would not be the person that I am or have the career that I have without his challenges and encouragement. I'm glad that I had the opportunity later in life to "thank him" for his influence on my life. I especially appreciated him taking the time to attend the funeral of my father. I will never forget his smile; his infectious laugh; yes, even his sneeze, which I either learned or tried to imitate; or him, as a teacher, mentor and friend. Frank: "Thank you for being my teacher."

Sincere condolences. I DO remember Frank as my Algebra teacher before I graduated in 1963. He was a gentle giant of a man and his choice of being a teacher was a gift from God. I, too, sneeze very loudly (maybe I picked it up from Frank!) God's comfort to you all.

Jean & Family,Alma & Shirley & their families--Sympathy & Condolences to you on Charlies' passing. He was a friend,neighbor,& schoolmate(South Dresden#4) Many people have benefited through his teaching & sharing of knowledge, & will be greatly missed by all.

To say I am saddened to hear of Mr. Kruger's passing would be an understatement. He had a tremendous influence on my life and career, and for that I am forever grateful. To his family: Please be comforted by the fact your husband/father/grandfather made a real difference in this world. His time here is done, but his legacy lives on in the students whose lives he touched. May God show his loving grace to you all.

My sympathies in the loss of your husband, father, grandfather and brother. He will be fondly remembered.

Mr. Kruger was a good Math teacher for me in the early 70's. He was kind and cheerful, greeting us in the hallway and calling us by name. He is one of my favorite teachers I will never forget. My sympathy to Mr. Kruger's family.

As a 1967 graduate of Cando High School, I have such fond memories of Mr. Kruger. He challenged each of us to a high standard and he was an incredible instructor and human being. He made himself available after classes for extra help and he encouraged us to believe we could learn anything if we applied ourselves to the task. Oh, how we need more Frank Krugers in today's classrooms! What a privilege it is to have been one of his students. May God bless you with His Peace.

Jean, Kathy, Michael and Ann Marie - I'm so sorry for your loss! I have fond memories of Frank when I served as pastor at Redeemer/Langdon (1991-1994). He was a fine Christian man who trusted in his Savior. In the midst of your sorrow take comfort in certain hope we have in our Lord (see 1st Thessalonians 4:13-18). Through faith in Christ you will see Frank again on the Day of Resurrection and you will all be with the Lord forever in His New Creation! Cling to that hope!

Jean: I wanted to pass on my sincere condolences on the loss of your husband. He will always be "Mr. Kruger" to me. What a fantastic teacher he was! I've never had a better one. My brothers and I often reminisce about how lucky we were to have him, and I'm even more aware of that now that I am raising my own two kids. He did a great thing with his professional life, touching hundreds just like me. Thank you for supporting him, and god bless you and your family.

Frank was the best teacher! The math skills he gave me have followed me in all of my adventures in life. All of you are in my thoughts and prayers.

He was my favorite teacher! All I had to do was sit and watch and listen to him do problem after problem on the board and I got it! Of course the problems were done between him having to kick the desks to make some kids be quite!! He will be missed...thinking of you!

We taught with Frank in Cando for 6 years. We were saddened to hear of his passing. Sincere condolences to the family.