Steven D. Kruger, age 72, of Jasper

Steve was born in Jasper, Indiana, on December 18, 1953, to Charles F. and Ida Mae (Fetcher) Kruger.

He was a 1972 Jasper High School graduate. He went on to serve in the Marine Corps for four years. He attended college in Quincy, Illinois. 

Known throughout Jasper and the surrounding communities as the person to call when something needed repaired, he had an incredible talent for fixing just about anything.

For many years, he proudly worked alongside his late father, Charlie, as a landlord, caring for numerous rental properties. Through hard work, honesty, and dependability, he earned the respect and friendship of so many throughout the community.

He found his greatest fulfillment in hard work and took immense pride in serving others. While his greatest heartbreak was the loss of his beloved son, Doug, in 1997 at 18 years old, his greatest joy was found in his three cherished grandchildren: Asher, Jaydalynn, and Jolene. They were the light of his life. Some of his happiest moments were spent at the ballpark, cheering from the stands as they played baseball and softball and spending time with his little Jolene over his lunch break. Nothing brought him more pride than watching them grow, compete, and simply spending time together. Sunday evenings were reserved for what he treasured most- spending time with his beloved grandchildren. Their weekly visits brought him immense joy and became one of his most cherished traditions. His grandkids always knew he was coming with his loud truck up the driveway and would wait for him at the front door. The family he loved so deeply will forever feel the loss of his presence.

He is survived by his wife of 51 years, Debbie Kruger, Jasper; daughter, Jennifer (Cole) Lovelace, Jasper; three grandchildren: Asher, Jaydalynn, and Jolene Lovelace, Zach and Emily Leinenbach and family, two sisters, and nieces and nephews.