Kelly Kruger

Kelly Kruger, age 59, passed away peacefully with loved ones nearby, after listening to a profoundly beautiful prayer calling him home to heaven on Thursday, November 27, 2025, ending his courageous battle with cancer.

Throughout his hard-fought journey, Kelly displayed fearlessness, determination, and unwavering hope that he could defeat his diagnosis. Together, in strength and persistence, Kelly and his family remained positive and proactive while they navigated Kelly's health challenges. Ongoing research and visits to various cancer specialists throughout the country proved beneficial in managing Kelly's pain and ensuring he could spend as much time with his family as possible.

Kelly was raised in Austin, Minnesota with his brother Tim (Ellen), sister Patty (John Brown) and younger brother Mike. He was a proud Uncle to his nephews Jack and Josh Brown. Kelly is preceded in death by his Father, Lorin Kruger, and Mother, Irene Lynn Kruger. After graduating from Pacelli Catholic High School in Austin, MN, Kelly decided to relocate to the Milwaukee area. He attended Waukesha County Technical College and continued his education at Cardinal Stritch University, graduating with the great honor of Magna Cum Laude and earning his bachelor’s degree in business. Kelly kept his dedication to the Minnesota Vikings, despite moving to Packer territory.

Kelly was a loving husband to Sue (Susan Barritt) Kruger for 26 years and they shared 30 birthdays together. Kelly cherished being a father to his daughter, Kayla, who has a passion for volunteering in the community for organizations such as “Ronald McDonald House Charities”, whose mission is to provide essential services that remove barriers, strengthen families and promote healing when children need healthcare. Kelly also set an example with volunteering his time for many years as a delivery person for “Meals on Wheels” of southeastern Wisconsin.

Kelly bought his first boat while living in Waukesha, virtually called “The Kelly-Sue”. For several years, Kelly and Sue enjoyed trailering the boat to many lakes in Wisconsin, which is how they decided Okauchee Lake was their absolute favorite. Kelly and Sue built their dream home in Oconomowoc, to be near Okauchee Lake to enjoy boating every chance they could. They made wonderful memories taking Kayla tubing with friends and going on “sunset dates” on the water.

In 2005, Kelly joined Shorewest Realtors and spent over twenty years as a trusted real estate agent, being awarded numerous high credential designations and certifications during his career. Kelly never boasted, but felt good about his work, building relationships and providing a personalized level of service to his clients, whether residential or commercial. Kelly helped over 560 families achieve their home ownership dreams. Kelly’s customers voted him highest in “Customer Satisfaction” for 8 consecutive years by Milwaukee Magazine. An honor held by less than 5% of licensed agents in the State of Wisconsin. Kelly was a 7-time National Sales Award recipient and multi-year recipient of the Shorewest Brooke Sweeney Award (2021 and 2023) to honor someone who meets a challenge, displays dedication to service, gives of themselves and has an unstoppable “can do attitude”.

Whether meeting a client for the first time, running into an old friend, or making new memories with family, Kelly always had a smile on his face, was welcoming, and never took his blessings and accomplishments for granted. He was an inspiration to everyone who knew him. As Kelly traveled through his final years of life, his sense of connection to God grew steadily and meaningfully. His spiritual journey gave him clarity, purpose, and support that carried him through the challenges, providing calmness during the recent chaos he and his family were navigating through together.

Kelly found contentment, an inner peace, and the ability to persevere through difficult circumstances because of his faith in Jesus Christ. His strength before and after diagnosis was truly admirable. Kelly's genuine smile, love for others, and courage will always be remembered. His memory will forever live on in the hearts of those who loved him.

Favorite Bible Verse -

"I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me." - Philippians 4:13

Spring Creek Church, Pewaukee Wisconsin, opening prayer from November 2025 sermon, “Peace in the Chaos” (Philippians 4:4-9) - Kelly’s Last Prayer -

"Lord we are thankful for the opportunity to sing praises and declare that it is by the blood of Jesus, His death for our sins and His resurrection onto a new life, that we have the hope of eternal life. Lord, we pray that the reality of all that you've done for us will be clearer to us. We ask that you open our minds and take away any confusion that would keep us from comprehending your Word. We ask that you give us soft hearts that we would obey you, take away rebellious attitudes and instead give us submissive hearts. Take away the fear that keeps us often from obeying you and give us courage in its place. And we ask that you would empower us; our hands, our feet, our lips, to serve and proclaim you faithfully as we go from this place in just a little while, into this world that needs to know the good news of Jesus Christ our Savior, in whose name we pray all of these things. AMEN."

- Matt Morton, Lead Pastor, Spring Creek Church, Pewaukee, Wisconsin

A Celebration of Life for Kelly is planned for Friday, February, 27th, 2026 at 2:00pm at Spring Creek Church (N35W22000 W Capitol Dr, Pewaukee, WI 53072) with a gathering to follow afterwards at the church until 5pm, https://www.springcreek.church/. As a passionate Minnesota Vikings fan, we encourage attendees to wear purple in tribute to Kelly. Feel free to wear jeans or whatever makes you comfortable, as we come together to celebrate the joy he brought into our lives.

For out-of-town guests, the Milwaukee Marriott West (Pewaukee) has a block of rooms reserved.

https://www.marriott.com/en-us/hotels/mkemw-milwaukee-marriott-west/overview/

The Kruger Family feels that donating time or money to causes which help the most vulnerable in society is of great importance. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the following organizations:

The Ronald McDonald House Charities of southeastern Wisconsin

https://rmhc-easternwi.org/how-to-help/donate/ to honor Kelly's own fight against cancer and his daughter, Kayla, volunteer and Teen

Ambassador.

Meals on Wheels America

https://www.mealsonwheelsamerica.org/donate/ to honor Kelly’s years of volunteering.

The family extends heartfelt gratitude for the compassionate care given to Kelly by the Horizon Home Hospice Team (WI), Froedtert Sarcoma Cancer Team (WI), Froedtert Center for Advanced Care (WI), Mayo Clinic (MN), Northwestern Medicine (IL), City of Hope (IL), and MD Anderson, (Houston TX) Specialized Care Teams. Their research, responsiveness, and advanced treatments were provided with kindness and expertise. The many visits, messages, cards, and additional gestures of care and concern shared by family and friends are appreciated beyond words.

The family kindly asks that you share your favorite memories of Kelly or contribute photos in the guest book below, as we cherish this opportunity to reflect on the love and joy he brought into our lives.