Obituary of Peter Wiliam Kruger

Pete Kruger Sr., of Shelton, WA passed away at his home with his family on April 19, 2020, at the age of 86. He was a resident of Shelton most of his life and a member of the Squaxin Island Tribe. He is survived by his wife of 28 years, Lillie Kruger of Shelton, baby Huey (beloved 4-legged buddy), one daughter Kathi Kruger -Neilsen (Steve) of Emumclaw, two son’s Mike Kruger (Sally) of Shelton, and Tully Kruger (Vicki) of Shelton. Three step daughters Michelle Drengson of Olympia, Rene’ Klusman of Tumwater and Terri Ryan-Kaeka (Dave) of Lacey. Pete had 33 grandchildren and 22 great grandchildren and he will be remembered fondly by multiple cousins, nieces, nephews, other relatives and many close friends. He was preceded in death by Donna DeCoy, Barbara Kruger, Pete Jr. Kruger (son), Clint Kruger (son), Eric Kruger (son), Ann James-Coley (sister), Johnny James (brother), Steve James (brother), Tony James Sr. (brother), Mose Kruger (father), and Sarah Whitener Kruger James (mother). Pete was born October 22, 1933 in Penticton B.C, Canada to Mose and Sarah Kruger. His mother brought him to Kamilche, WA six months later, where he was looked after by his grandma Annie Whitener. He graduated Irene S. Reed High School in 1951. While growing up Pete loved the outdoors and was an avid baseball/softball player, boxer, and hunter. He worked in numerous packing houses from 1951-53. For the next eight years Pete worked two jobs, roofing houses by day and working at Simpson Timber Company by night. Pete served in the Army National Guard (1952-53) as a private first class/E3 studying communications while he was stationed at the Yakima Training Center. In 1962, he started his own Roofing Company, named OK Roofers, and later in 1975 changed its name to Kruger Roofing, where he eventually retired in 1995. Pete then went to work for the Squaxin Island Tribe in 1996 as Hunting Policy Representative and served on Tribal Council from 1999-2015, where he finally retired in May of 2015. The last years of his life were spent with family and friends, pets, and many hunting trips. A celebration of life will be out at the Squaxin Island Tribe after the Corona Virus sanctions are lifted.