- Date Of Birth: August 15, 1928
- Date Of Death: December 11, 2013
- State: Michigan
Harry R. “Bumpa” Krueger, 85, of Buchanan, Michigan and formerly of New Buffalo, died Wednesday morning, December 11, 2013 at IU Health LaPorte Hospital. Harry was born August 15, 1928 in Red Oak, Iowa to George and Ruby (Perdue) Krueger. The family moved to New Buffalo where Harry attended school.
He set a school record in basketball that still holds today and scored the first touchdown in New Buffalo High School history. After graduating from New Buffalo High School, Harry served his country in the US Army during the occupation of Japan after WWII. While stationed in Japan, Harry purchased silk for Helen Krycka which she used for her wedding dress when they married on May 10, 1952. Harry sold insurance and worked as a salesman for Sears and Roebuck in Michigan City, retiring after 24 years.
He enjoyed grilling outside, even during the “Blizzard of 78”. Harry was an avid sports fan, watching the Chicago Cubs, Bears, Notre Dame and NASCAR.Survivors include his children, Brenda (Lawrence) Kittleson of Buchanan, Donna Holm of New Buffalo, Dianna Krueger of Sawyer and Timothy Krueger of Sawyer; grandchildren, Chad, Allyson, Debbie, and Vance; great grandchildren, Devyn, Quinn, Layne and Emerson; sisters Neva Miller and Georgia “Toots” (Ron) Stella of Holland, Michigan; brother, Duane “Butch” (Judy) Krueger of Townsend, Tennessee and his friend for many years, Catherine Anderson.He was preceded in death by his wife of 41 years, Helen, in 1993. His sister June Swem and brother Richard “Dick” Krueger also preceded him in death.
