James Bruce Kruger, age 76, passed away peacefully on Friday, December 10, 2021 at Hayward Area Memorial Hospital.

He was born on February 19, 1945 in Ashland, WI, the son of Frederick and Nina (Stone) Kruger.

He was united in marriage to Catherine Joy McDermott.

Jim was a lifelong resident of Hayward, graduating from Hayward High School in 1965. He proudly served his country in the United States Army in Vietnam, receiving a Purple Heart. He held many jobs including log rolling at Historyland, maintenance for the City of Hayward, bartender at Angler’s Tavern, clerk at Wickland Hardware, laborer for Rick Kreyer Construction, food manager at Northern Lakes Coop, and for the last 32 years, owner of Minnow Jim’s Bait Shop. He loved to fish, hunt and bowl.

He is survived by his wife of 52 years, Catherine; his daughters, Jennifer (Matt McKercher) Robb of Solon Springs, WI and Karen Kaye Luebke of Springbrook, WI; his siblings, Darlene (Robert) Seffinga, Brenda (Rick) Kreyer and Fritz Kruger all of Hayward, WI; and many nieces, nephews, great nieces and nephews, and great-great nieces and nephews. He is also survived by his brother-in-law, Jim (Linda) McDermott; and sisters-in-law, Janice (Herb) Hanlen and Mary (Charles) Tipton.

He is preceded in death by his parents.

A memorial service will be held at 6:00 P.M. on Thursday, December 16, 2021 at Hayward Funeral Home, 15571 W. County Highway B in Hayward where visitation will be held from 5:00 P.M. until the hour of the service.

A reception will follow at the Hayward Veterans Center.

Last Update: Dec 13, 2021 7:50 pm CST