Jack Krueger

Jack Krueger, 93, of Lee’s Summit, Missouri, died peacefully at home on Wednesday, June 9, 2021. He was born November 20, 1927, in Elm Creek, Nebraska to the late Paul Krueger and Edna (Miller) Krueger Lantz.

Jack was a strong farm boy who grew up in Elm Creek, Nebraska, where he graduated from high school. He married Aletha Anne Armstrong, June 23, 1945. He was honorably discharged from the U.S. Army. Jack took advantage of his G.I. Bill to further his education and attend college. His lifelong learning and teaching career began after his graduation from Kearney State College in 1951. He was a teacher and coached football and basketball. He became Principal and Superintendent in Overton and was high school principal in Lexington, Nebraska. He then earned two Master’s Degrees and Doctorate in Education from University of Nebraska. He later joined the Nebraska State Department of Education where he became the acting Commissioner of Education. He spent most of his professional career teaching teachers at UMKC and became the Associate Dean and Acting Dean of the College of Education. He was named Professor Emeritus.

Jack retired in 1992 to take care of his ailing wife and his “job” became volunteering at the Shamrock Hills Golf Course where he “worked” and developed deep friendships for over 25 years. Golf was one of his passions. He shot 4 holes-in-one, after the age of 90, a remarkable feat.

He also loved fishing and taught all his grandkids and great grandkids how to fish. As a fly fisherman, he landed a Marlin on a fly rod at age 85—another remarkable feat.

His main passion was always family; attending as many of his kids and grandkids sporting and theatre events as he could. His love for his family was only matched by the love his kids, grandkids and great grandkids have for him.

He will be missed by his family who include his children Steve (Judy) Krueger, Cindy (Mark) Oetting and David (Tracey) Krueger. Grandchildren: Jason (Megan) Krueger, Clinton Oetting, Jessica Oetting, Michael (Brandy Benjamin) Krueger, and Kelly Krueger. Great Grandchildren: Zareth, Jack, Claire, and Melody. He will also be missed by many extended family and many dear friends.

In addition to his parents Jack is preceded in death by his wife Aletha Krueger, brother Rod Krueger, brothers-in-law Jack and Bill Armstrong and sister-in-law June Hetrick.

Visitation will be Sunday, June 13, 2021, from 4-6 PM with military honors presented at 5:30 PM all at the Johnson County Funeral Chapel 11200 Metcalf Ave. Overland Park, KS 66210. If you so desire memorial contributions may be made to Kansas City Hospice or St. Luke’s Hospice.