Lorna R. Kruger's Obituary
Lorna Kruger, age 90, and formerly of Goodrich, Michigan, passed away Friday, March 12, 2021 at Grand Pines Assisted Living in Grand Haven, Michigan. Lorna was born April 30, 1930 in Flint, Michigan, the daughter of the late Donald and Elda McLain. She was a 1948 graduate of the former Dye High School. Lorna married Thomas Kruger on April 15, 1950 in Swartz Creek, Michigan. Tom and Lorna were married for 65 years until Tom's passing in 2015. Lorna then moved to Muskegon, Michigan, to be closer to family. Lorna was employed as a secretary until the birth of her first child, then raised four children before returning to work for the Goodrich School District as a baker and lunchroom assistant. Lorna was a member first at Atlas Community Baptist Church, then later at First Baptist Church of Davison. Lorna and Tom were youth leaders for many years and choir members, as well as doing many volunteer activities for the church. As a resident of Muskegon, Lorna attended Fifth Reformed Church with family. Lorna had a firm, unwavering faith, passed on to her children and grandchildren through teaching and example. In her family, Lorna was referred to as "The Force". Whatever she set her mind to, she accomplished. This included surviving Covid and a fractured neck at the beginning of the pandemic. Her neck rehab had to be accomplished on the Covid floor as she continued to test positive for almost four weeks, although she was asymptomatic. Family celebrated her 90th birthday by waving to her from the parking lot of Mary Free Bed Rehab Hospital. Lorna considered baking pies, breads, cookies, and other goodies as personal therapy as well as an expression of her creativity and hospitality. Reading was her passion. Lorna filled her home with an eclectic sense of music - from polkas, gospel hymns, and golden oldies to classical favorites. She bought a piano and took piano lessons once her children were grown, saying it was never too late to fulfill dreams and hopes. Lorna's family was of the utmost importance to her and she made each child, grandchild, or great-grandchild feel special and loved. Lorna is survived by four children: Kathleen Walcott (James) of Norton Shores, Karen Eldred (Gary) of Rochester Hills, Kevin Kruger (Anne) of Norton Shores, and Kristine Pothoven (Steve) of Muskegon. She has nine grandchildren: Anne Walcott, Trevor Eldred (Destiny), Lisa Eldred, Elizabeth Lubbers (Adam), Jason Kruger (Kristy), Laurie Bullerman (Dan), Mary Kate Walcott, Andrew Pothoven, and Linnea Pothoven. There are seven great-grandchildren: Andrea and Joshua Eldred; Jack, Miles, and Owen Bullerman and Emma and Caleb Lubbers. A Celebration of Lorna’s Life will be held 11:00 AM Saturday, April 17, 2021 at the First Baptist Church of Davison (208 E. 4th St., Davison, MI 48423). Visiting time with the family will be from 10:30 AM until the time of service. Burial will follow and take place in Evergreen Cemetery in Grand Blanc, MI. MEMORIALS to the Fifth Reformed Church Missions Fund (2330 Holton Rd., N. Muskegon, MI 49445) will be appreciated. Share memories with the family at their On-line Guest Book at www.sytsemafh.com Arrangements by The Lee Chapel of Sytsema Funeral and Cremation Services, 6291 S. Harvey St., Norton Shores, MI 49444 (231) 798-1100
What’s your fondest memory of Lorna?
What’s a lesson you learned from Lorna?
Share a story where Lorna's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Lorna you’ll never forget.
How did Lorna make you smile?