Gerald Krutsch

Gerald L Krutsch October 28, 1923 – December 26, 2018 95, passed away in his home and entered eternity with the Lord the evening of December 26, 2018. Gerald was born October 28, 1923, to John Paul & Bertha Clara (Grebe) Krutsch in Stickney South Dakota The family moved to Hot Springs South Dakota in 1937 where he excelled in athletics and graduated in 1942 with letters in Football, Basketball & Track. Enrolling at USD he lettered in Football & enlisted in the Army Reserve Corps. December 2, 1942. Entering active duty March 20, 1943. After Cadet duty at Fort Ord, California he served 18 months in the Pacific Theatre of Operations World War II on New Caledonia, Iwo Jima & Okinawa. As a Staff Sargent with the 147th Infantry Regiment, he was awarded two Bronze Star Metals, 1 for exemplary conduct & 1 for meritorious service in action against the enemy on Iwo Jima. Honorably discharged as Staff Sargent February 15, 1946. Gerald enrolled at Utah State University 1946, lettered in Football and started advanced Quarter Master ROTC and finished with honors. He had the honor at Utah State of playing at the 1947 Raisin Bowl in Fresno California. He went back to USD and made All-Conference tackle for both Offense & Defense & Team Captain in 1947 – 1948, played on Conference Championship Teams. He broke the USD Shotput record thus duplicating his High School State record. He lettered 3 years in Football & 2 years in Track at USD. The National SAE Fraternity selected him on their Second All American Team, He was also a member of the USD Sports Hall of Fame and a member of Sigma Alpha Epsilon Fraternity. He was one of 12 select Seniors Graduating in1949 with a 2nd Lieutenant commission and a BA Degree. A Master’s in education followed in 1953. He met & fell in love with Geraldine in Hot Springs South Dakota they were married on June 18th, 1950 & started a loving family. His Federal Government work career he started coaching at the BIA High School at Pine Ridge South Dakota. Gerald’s Military career spanned 41 years 3 years of active duty and 38 years with various reserve assignments including graduating from Army’s Command and General Staff College. Before retiring in 1983 he obtained a rank of Lt. Colonel from the Army Reserve. He Continued Federal Government work as an Education Specialist with the Air Force and then the Army Recruiting Command in Denver, Retiring in 1988 with a total of 35 years Federal Civil Service. He Served on the Northglenn planning board and was President of the original recreational district. He coached little league Football & Basketball, was also involved with volunteering with the Boy Scouts. After retirement volunteered at Barr Lake State Park as a nature guide for the Colorado Division of Wildlife. He was a Member of Gethsemane Lutheran Church his faith in the Lord was an important part of his life. He was Preceded in death by his parents Paul & Bertha Krutsch, his sister Phyllis Poland, & his brothers Kenneth & Harlan Krutsch. He is Survived by his wife of 68 years Geraldine Joyce (Granberg) Krutsch, 3 sons Duane, David (Frances), Kevin Krutsch and daughter Kim (Krutsch) VanDamme. 5 grandchildren & 8 great-grandchildren, His sister Leana (Carl) Anderson several nieces & nephews. There will be a Military and Honor Guard Service at Fort Logan National Cemetery on Friday, January 25 at 10:00 AM, Please assemble at staging area “A “by 9:45. A Celebration of Life service will be at Gethsemane Lutheran Church 10675 Washington St. Northglenn CO, at 12:00, lunch to follow in the Church Basement. In lieu of flowers, the family is asking to send donations to Northglenn American Legion Post 22 11081 Irma Dr. Northglenn, CO 80233-3618