Carl A. Kruger

Mr. Carl A. Kruger, 77, of Scenic Rd., Hagaman, NY passed away Saturday March 26, 2011 at his home surround by his loving wife and children. Carl Arthur Kruger was born on March 15, 1934 to Carl and Marie Yager Kruger in Amsterdam, NY. He went to schools in Pattersonville, Hagaman and Amsterdam. He graduated from Amsterdam High School in 1952. While in High School, he worked in the dry cleaners and peddled the Amsterdam Recorder. After graduation, he worked in Mohasco as a creeler, then for Banta Brothers Grocery in Hagaman, and then in 1956 went to work for the New York Telephone Company. Six months later he was drafted into the United States Army. When he returned from his tour of duty he went back to the telephone company where he worked for the next 30 years. He retired in June 1986. Carl was very active in his community. He was a Boy Scout Leader, Sunday School Teacher, Sunday School Superintendent, Church Deacon and Elder and a member of the choir. He was presently treasurer of the Calvary Reformed Church and an Elder on Consistory. He was a Union Steward and very active in the Telephone Pioneers of America while he was working. He was a part time police officer for the Village of Hagaman. He served as Chairman of the Town of Amsterdam Zoning Board of Appeals. He has been a very active and devoted member of the Hagaman Volunteer Fire Department for 55 years. Carl has held many offices and served on many committees, he has been a member of the Fire Police Squad, serving as chief for many years. He was presently chaplain of the department. Carl was named Montgomery County Fireman of the year in 1975 and 2005. After his retirement from the telephone Company, he was the caretaker for the Hagaman Mills Cemetery. He kept extensive records fro the cemetery. Carl was chairman of the Town of Amsterdam Republican Committee, treasurer of the Town of Amsterdam Republican Club, and a member of the County Republican Committee. He was an election inspector for the County and the School Board elections. Presently, Carl was a member of the pioneers, treasurer of the Town of Amsterdam Fireman's Association, Treasurer of the Town of Amsterdam Republican Club, and Treasurer of the Calvary Reformed Church where he was also an Elder and member of the property committee. Carl married Evelyn Nassel Kruger on December 29, 1956. He was in the Army and they started their married life in Ludwigsburg, Germany. Their first child, Beth Elaine was born while they resided there. Carl is survived by his wife of 54 years, Evelyn, children, Beth Zostautas and her husband Alan of West Galway, Karen Arndt-DiScenza and her husband Dean of Hagaman, Kevin Kruger of Hagaman, Carolyn Paschen and her husband Ron of Erie, Colorado, and Cynthia Lambert and her husband Paul II of Mariaville. He is survived by 10 grandchildren, Harry Ethan Chriss, Andrew and Nicole Arndt, Monica, Shawn and Ben Kruger, Audra and Allison Di Caro, Paul III and Alex Lambert. He is survived by 4 great-grandchildren, Austin, Kessiera, Taylor and Malacki. Carl is also survived by 2 sisters, Betsy Willmott of the Wilkinson Residential Center and Joyce Wilder and her husband Paul of Gloversville, NY. Carl and Evelyn enjoyed "RV ing" for over 40 years. They spent the last 12 years wintering in their motorhome in the Bonita Lake RV Resort in Bonita Springs, Florida. Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, March 30, 2011 at 11:00A.M. at the Betz, Rossi & Bellinger Family Funeral Home, 171 Guy Park Ave, Amsterdam with the Rev. Stanley Craig officiating. Interment with full military honors will follow in Hagaman Mills Cemetery, Hagaman, NY. The family will receive relatives and friends Today Tuesday, March 29, 2011 from 4:00 to 7:00 P.M. at the funeral home. The Hagaman Volunteer Fire Department will conduct services on Tuesday evening at 6:30P.M. at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to the Hagaman Volunteer Fire Department, Calvary Reformed Church or to the Century Club c/o the Betz, Rossi, Bellinger Family Funeral Home.