Orlen Kruger

Orlen A. Kruger, 86, of rural Parkersburg, Iowa, died Thursday, September 18, 2008, at the Grundy Care Center in Grundy Center, Iowa, while under the care of Cedar Valley Hospice.

Orlen was born May 27, 1922 in Grundy Center, Iowa the son of Albert John and Lena A. (Wolthoff) Kruger. Orlen grew up on a farm in Colfax Township and attended school there. He served his country in the United States Air Force during WWII. After returning from the service he was employed at Thermogas of Allison until the opening of Fern Grocery Store in 1949. He and his father owned and operated Fern Grocery until 1960. He also worked for Rath Packing Company of Waterloo until he retired in 1979.

Orlen enjoyed playing baseball and softball for Allison, Parkersburg, Fern and Holland teams. He was a member of the Colfax Center Presbyterian Church and served several terms as a Deacon of the church. He sang in the church choir, and was a member of the Layman Quartet for ten years. He continued his ministry of music with Inspirations Quartet. Orlen was also a member of the Dike American Legion.

Survivors include his wife for 57 years: Dorothea; 3 sons: Steve and wife Connie Kruger of Murray, Utah, Daryl and wife Kelli Kruger of Highlands Ranch, Colorado, and Lynn Kruger of Stout, Iowa; 7 grandchildren; 2 sisters: Anona Arends of Reinbeck, Iowa, and Marlys Klinehart of Cedar Falls, Iowa. He was preceded in death by his parents, infant daughter Judy Ann Kruger, brother: Klaus Kruger; and sister: Berdene Pruisner.