Lester A. Kruger

Mr. Lester A. Kruger, Jr. of Charles Street, Amsterdam, NY died on Saturday, February 11, 2012 at St. Mary's Hospital in Amsterdam following a brief illness. He was 77. A lifelong area resident, Les was born on June 9, 1934 the son of the late Lester A. Kruger, Sr. and Susan Shaw Kruger. He was a graduate of the former Wilbur H. Lynch High School and served proudly with the United States Army until his honorable discharge in 1957. For 18 years he worked for Coleco in Amsterdam before retiring as a Customer Service Supervisor. He also delivered newspapers for the Recorder. Les enjoyed hunting, fishing, boating and just being outdoors. A vehicle enthusiast, Les loved motorcycles, drag races and going to car shows. He will be missed by all who knew and loved him. On September 14, 1957 he was united in marriage to the former Dorothy Ward. That union lasted 52 years until her passing on July 7, 2010. He was also predeceased by two brothers, Henry and Charles Kruger. Survivors include his sons, Les Allen Kruger and Steven Alan Kruger both of Amsterdam; one daughter, Sharon Lee Kruger of Broadalbin, NY; six grandchildren, Les A. Kruger, Daniel J. Kruger, David S. Kruger, Sandy Kruger, Mark Kruger and Zsanette Sargalis; five sisters, Jean Sawyer, Norma Sowle, Betty Anderson, Marion Frye and Pat Turo; and several nieces, nephews and cousins. Funeral services will be held on Tuesday, February 14, 2012 at 6p.m. at Betz, Rossi & Bellinger Family Funeral Home, 171 Guy Park Avenue, Amsterdam. A calling hour will precede the funeral beginning at 5p.m. Relatives and friends are invited to attend. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the American Diabetes Association, Pine West Plaza, Washington Avenue Extension, Suite 204, Albany, NY 12205.