John P. Kruger

John P. Kruger, 64, of Springfield, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, July 16, 2024, at his home with his family by his side after a brave four-year battle with cancer. His courage, strength, and positive attitude, through the good times and bad, were an inspiration to all who knew him.

John was born on February 17, 1960, in Springfield, IL, the son of William A. and Helen M. (Richardson) Kruger. He married Gail A. McGuire on July 25, 1981, in Rochester, IL, at the South Fork Church of Christ.

John attended Southeast High School for two years before moving and transferring to Chatham Glenwood High School, where he graduated in 1978. After graduating, he worked as a heavy equipment mechanic for Capital Machinery in Springfield. He and Gail then moved to Tallahassee, FL, in 1981, and John worked for six years as a Caterpillar heavy equipment mechanic for Ring Power Corp.

John attended night school while working full time to earn his associate’s degree in computer science to pursue his passion for the computer field. He went on to work for various state agencies in Florida, including Florida State University, the FL Department of Education, and the FL Department of Transportation. He was the recipient of numerous awards and accolades for his outstanding programming and productivity, including the following:

• National Publication Award from Southern Association of College and University Business Officers (SACUBO) for designing and implementing the Florida State University surplus property DB2 database and web Surplus Property Search Program

• Paul Davis Productivity Award, a privately-funded program to recognize and reward Florida State government “unsung heroes in trenches” whose work measurably increases productivity and innovation

• Florida Tax Watch Productivity Award for Application and DB2 development work for the FL Dept. of Education saving the state outsourcing development costs

John and his family returned to Springfield in 1999 and he began a career as a computer contractor/consultant specializing in DB2 database administration. He soon developed a reputation as a DB2 guru. He held contracts with various state agencies, including the IL Dept of Human Services and the IL State Police. John’s DB2 expertise did not go unnoticed. The U.S. Department of Defense recruited John in 2008 to work for the Dept of Homeland Security/TSA on a no-fly watchlist project. He went on to do contract work all over the country as a DB2 Certified Advanced Database Administrator, for State Farm Insurance, Allegiant Airlines, Kansas City Southern Railroad, John Deere Corp., FL Blue Cross and Blue Shield, to name a few. He maintained his Department of Defense Clearance and went on to work as a Senior DB2 Database Administrator for the U.S. Naval Support Mid-South base in Millington, TN, for three years and most recently worked remotely for the U.S. Army Human Resources Command, Ft. Knox, Kentucky before having to retire due to complications from his cancer. He was awarded a Bronze medallion and Certificate of Appreciation for Outstanding Support from the U.S. Deptartment of Homeland Security and from the U.S. Navy. He was selected by the 2009 Presidential Inauguration Committee for the six member ‘Blue Team’ to assist the Secret Service and TSA at a security checkpoint at the White House VIP gate for the inaugural speech.

John loved the work he did and was considered one of the best in his field. He was routinely sought after nationally. He put that passion and love into everything he did. He loved life and will be remembered for his wonderful smile, quirky sense of humor, and he always saw the silver lining. John was considered the family historian and always the one behind the camera documenting family gatherings and beautiful moments in life. He was a philosopher extraordinaire.

John enjoyed riding his Harley, vacations at the beach, ocean breezes, attending live music events, and spending time with his family, friends and his two cats who preceded him, especially his Baby Girl Emma who was his “therapy cat”. Most of all he enjoyed being entertained by his grandson Myles, who brought joy to his heart.

John was very spiritual and curious about life and the afterlife. He was a past member of the Springfield Ghost Society going on many paranormal investigations, and had many interesting stories to share.

John is now free to explore the universe and heavens he was so fascinated with. John will be deeply missed by all who had the privilege to know and love him.

He was preceded in death by his parents, William A. and Helen M. (Richardson) Kruger.

John is survived by his wife of 43 years, Gail Kruger; his son, Joshua Kruger; grandson, Myles Kruger; two brothers, David Kruger (Pat Ellerman) and Frank (Pamela S.) Kruger, both of Springfield; three sisters, Faye Roth of Springfield, Sharon (Charlie) Sakris of Rochester, and Pamela K. Kruger of Springfield; and many aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews and cousins.

Cremation was provided by Butler Cremation Tribute Center.

The family will hold a Celebration of Life from 4:00 – 7:00 p.m. on Thursday, July 25, 2024, at Butler Funeral Home - Springfield, 900 S. 6th St., Springfield, IL.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Animal Protective League in Springfield, IL.