Kurt Russell Krueger

Kurt Russell Krueger, 49, died May 1, 2022. The Krueger family could not have been more excited as they anxiously awaited December 6, 1972 to learn that number six to their brood would finally be a boy. Kurt had five older sisters and his sisters loved him from the moment he was born. Kurt attended St. Francis of Assisi parish and school. While in elementary/middle school, he played a royal child in KING AND I and Oliver in OLIVER at Bishop Carroll High School. He graduated from Bishop Carroll High School in 1991 where he was known for driving his 1966 Barracuda with Heart’s Barracuda blaring. After high school, he spent a pivotal gap year backpacking in Europe. His european excursion involved family research in Schwerin, Germany, train rides and hostels across France, Portugal, and Amsterdam, and excavating prehistoric settlements of Valldemossa under archeologist William Waldren in Deia, Mallorca, Spain—where he found his heaven on earth. Kurt was the ultimate renaissance man—photographer, sculptor, poet, musician, historian, carpenter, plumber, mechanic, naturalist, gardener, and an enthusiastic, gifted cook. He was fiercely loyal and generous to his family, neighbors, and chosen family of friends, especially his chosen brothers. One of his proudest achievements was taking eight years out of his life to care for dad during his cancer treatment and mom as she slipped into dementia. This selfless gift of love for his parents and family speaks volumes about his generosity, empathy, and compassion. Kurt will be remembered for this brilliant mind, his love for absolutely every kind of music, his intense curiosity, and ability to research anything and everything down to the smallest detail. He was a regular at the public library and if you doubted his information, you soon learned to trust his judgment—he was usually right. We wanted more time for you to sling flawless hash browns, savor Taco Grande, and grill BBQ. We wanted more time for you to spend with your nieces, nephews, and grandnieces. We wanted more time for you to help your close friends and neighbors. We wanted more time to enjoy your infectious laughter and your voice at impromptu family singalongs. We wanted more time for you to travel, create art, and share your love of music. Tragically our time with you was taken—your time was taken. The world has lost one of its most creative adventurers and generous souls now wrapped in the loving embrace of Ruth and Russ. Kurt is survived by his sisters, Karen Haque (Gavin), Kathy Anderson (Kevin), Mary Krueger (Andres), Gretchen Mitchell, Kristina Page (Joe); aunts, Dorothy Brink, Bonnie Landrum (Leon), Margaret Foley; nieces and nephews, Helen, Claire, and Alex Anderson, William Mitchell, Wesley (Riley) and Nathaniel Page; his grandnieces; Frances and Scout Page; plus 14 cousins; his chosen brothers, Paul Wolford, Naython Williams, Ron Davis, Dave Springob, Paul Huffman, Mike Flannigan; his mentors, Lou Johnson and Clarence Frazier. He was preceded in death by his parents, Russell Herman Krueger and Ruth Patricia Foley-Krueger; and chosen brothers, Kevin Warminski and Steve Becker. Rosary is 1:30 p.m. Thurs, June 2, followed by Funeral Mass 2 p.m. at St. Francis of Assisi, 861 N. Socora, Wichita, 67212. In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made in Kurt’s name to The Lord’s Diner 520 N. Broadway Avenue, Wichita, Kansas 67214, 316-266-4966, thelordsdiner.org. #justiceforkurt