George Frederick Kruggel

George Frederick Kruggel, age 89 of Holland (formerly of Grand Haven), passed away peacefully on Tuesday, August 10, 2021 at Addington Place Lakeside Vista in Holland, MI. George was born February 22, 1932 in Benton Harbor, MI to his late parents, Herman and Hedwig (Totzke) Kruggel. On February 8, 1958, George married his one and only love, Joyce (Milbrandt) Kruggel, also of Benton Harbor. The two moved to Grand Haven later that same year, when George accepted a Mechanical Engineering position at VanderMeiden & Koteles. Moving into their newly built home on Pine Ridge Drive, they also brought home their first child, George Kruggel, Jr. in 1960, and four years later, welcomed their daughter, Judy Kaye Kruggel.

Growing up in a devout Lutheran family, George attended St. Matthew’s Lutheran School, graduated from Benton Harbor High School, and then Junior College. After attending BHJC, George went up to Houghton, MI to Michigan Tech University, earning his Bachelor’s in Mechanical Engineering and then completing his Master’s degree in one year.  During his first year at VM&K, George was asked to take his Professional Engineering exam, which he passed and became a PE for the rest of his HVAC and Plumbing Engineer career, retiring in Naples, FL in 2018.

George eventually co-owned K/J Engineering, Inc. in Grand Haven.  Once he and his partner dissolved their company, George went to Grand Rapids, MI and worked with a HVAC design/build company, VanDyken Mechanical, Inc. George started his new company, The Engineering Group in Grand Haven in 1989, which he took with him to Naples, Florida, and worked until his retirement. He was a perfectionist.

George was a former member and Elder at St. John’s Lutheran Church, Grand Haven, member of Emmanuel Lutheran Church, Naples, Fl, former President and member of Spring Lake Country Club, former member of Windstar Country Club in Naples, and President of Spinnaker Grounds Committee (Windstar CC). George was also a past Board and member of the Grand Haven Y.M.C.A. and Grand Haven Rotary. 

Assistant Swim Coach for the Y.M.C.A. swim team, George cheered on his two children and all his swimmers. George and Joyce never missed a swim meet for either of their kids. G.H.H.S. basketball games, Michigan State University Football and Basketball were his favorite times to yell at referee’s and players. He touched the hearts of many by being a great listener, encourager, friend and jokester. Gardening was his favorite time to unwind and create. Those who had been a part of his landscaping in Grand Haven and Naples surely knew that he was a perfectionist at that also. His gardens always bloomed, grass always green and cut. Weeds were not allowed. Gentle touch from a gentle hearted man. Tennis, golf, bowling and going to the beach were also great times that he enjoyed with friends and family.

George will be truly missed by his wife of 63 years, Joyce; their son, George (Lori) Kruggel of Grand Haven; daughter, Judy (Dan) Mosterd of Holland; grandchildren, Nate and Kelsey Mosterd of Byron Center, Ben and Kaylee Mosterd of Wayland, Lauren and Justin Stielstra, and Sophie Kruggel of Grand Haven; his great-grandson, Bauer Davis Mosterd, son of Ben and Kaylee Mosterd, will so miss his buddy, Papa George. He also is survived by his cousin/best friend, Adeline (Robert) Scheffler of Bridgman, and their children, Tom (George’s godson), Cindy (Allen), Elizabeth (Ross) and Steve Scheffler; niece, Debbie Ory Beckert of St. Joe; cousin, Al Schaffer of Ramona, CA (GH); and other wonderful cousins and lifelong friends.

The family of George would like to thank the staff and nurses of Freedom Village, The Inn, and the staff, nurses and doctors at Keystone Palliative Care in Holland. A special thank you to the staff and aides at Addington Place Lakeside Vista Assisted Senior Living in Holland, MI, and nurses, doctors and staff at Kindred Hospice of Grand Rapids for all the love and special care that was given to George, Joyce, and family during the last couple of months of his life. Your comfort and love to us helped ease the pain daily. 

We would also like to thank all our family and friends for their love throughout the years!  You made George laugh, cry, and be thankful every day of his long life. 

The Visitation for George will be held from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. on Friday, August 20, 2021 at Klaassen Funeral Home with a Celebration of Life immediately following at 11:30 a.m. Lunch to follow. 

Memorial Contributions may be made to Emmanuel Lutheran Church, 777 Mooring Line Drive, Naples, Florida, 34102.

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