Billy Dean Kruger, age 88 of Waco, passed away on Friday, March 15, 2024.
Visitation: 4-7PM, Wednesday, March 20 at Lake Shore Funeral Home
Funeral Service: 11AM, Thursday, March 21 at St Mark Lutheran Church, Waco.
Billy Dean was born on February 13, 1936, in Malone, TX to Willie John and Estelle (Radke) Kruger. He was the third child of five boys.
On July 27, 1954, Billy married Jessie V. Skinner. They were married for 69 years. She continued to be always the love of his life. Jessie and Bill had four children: Bill Jr, Deborah, Terri, and Robert (George). In 1973, through the Foreign Exchange Student program, a fifth child came to them- John Poulsen.
He was extremely devoted to his family, and he always put the love of his family before himself. Bill was quite active in his church, St Mark Lutheran Church. He had many lifelong friends within his Church.
Bill’s passion was radio announcing which spanned over 50 years; ending his radio career with KHBR AM1560 in Hillsboro with his final sign-off into retirement.
Bill was preceded in death by his parents, two siblings, son-in-law, Kevin Dicks, and recently by his wife, Jessie.
Bill is survived by his children, Bill Jr and wife Mary, Deborah and husband Marshall Ricks, Terri Dicks, Robert, and John Poulsen and wife Pia.; twelve grandchildren, many great grandchildren, and great-great grandchildren; and brothers, Calvin Kruger and wife Joy, and Tommy Kruger.
Pallbearers are Bradley Ricks, Timothy Dicks, Jeff Kruger, Anthony Olivarez, Cody Giltner, and Clinton Bray.
A special thank you to Pastor Kolb and all the congregation of St Mark Lutheran Church. An additional thank you to Pastor Kobler for his great gift of song, and to Tim Griese for his amazing talent in playing the organ.
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I’m so sorry for your loss. Pappaw was always welcoming and kind to me, Anja and my parents.
My kindest thoughts to you all.
Sincerely, Maria, Jachim, Lærke and Milo, Denmark
All my love and prayers to the family……I spent many, many hours in the presence of Mr and Mrs Kruger during my High School years and have never forgotten the love and warmth they both shared with we visitors. They always welcomed us without reservation and the Kruger house was always a place I felt at peace. They will be missed.
This is so hard saying goodbye.. We just lost Mamaw now you. I know your at peace and with God now, but I wish we had more time. I keep telling myself at least yall are with God and happy together.. but there are time I still reach out for my phone to call yall and I have to remember I cant anymore. Losing both of you has been hardest thing I have ever had to deal with. I will remember the good time now.. the silly nicknames, when you put us on your need and hummed the song like we were riding a horse, and watching Jeopardy with you( I still watch it everyday) I will never forget you Papaw.. I love you and will miss you so much. Until we me again….
Bill was always seen with a smile on his face and hand extended in friendship. I always enjoyed hearing that familiar voice on KHBR. Prayers and condolences to the family!
Dear Deborah Ricks and Family,
We are very sorry for your loss and you and your family are all in or thoughts and prayers. It is our hope and prayer that you are all able to find peace and comfort with all the wonderful moments you all had together.
Sincerely,
Bluebonnet Health (Hospice) Services Team