Larry A. Krueger

Larry Allen Krueger

January 1, 1952 – August 9, 2023

In the Hope of the Resurrection

Larry Allen Krueger, born on January 1, 1952, died at the age of 71, on the 48^th anniversary of his wedding due to complications following his seven-month cancer journey.

Family, friends and colleagues knew Larry as faithful and hard-working. “Take it a day at a time” and “trust in God” were hallmarks of Larry’s leadership and methodical decision-making style; his quiet confidence came from a strong Christian faith.

The fourth of five children born to Walter and Alma (Mueller) Krueger, Larry’s work ethic was forged at an early age, growing up on a farm outside of Farrar, Missouri where his family grew corn, soybeans and wheat. He was baptized in the Christian faith on January 13, 1952, and confirmed on April 3, 1966. As a boy he was nicknamed “Smiley” for his infectious grin.

Larry graduated from Normandy High School in St. Louis where he was a star player on the basketball and baseball teams. He received his BS in Business at the University of Missouri – Saint Louis while also working at McDonnell Douglas Automation Systems.

In college, Larry caught the eye of his pastor’s daughter while doing landscaping work on the church grounds, and on August 9, 1975, married Joan (Christiansen). Less than a year later they moved to Indianapolis, where they made lifelong friends and had two daughters, Emily and Sarah. A proud father, Larry closely followed his daughters’ academic, sports and professional careers.

Larry made his career in sales and marketing for technology companies as the industry shifted. He was employed by companies in St. Louis, Indianapolis, Philadelphia and Pittsburgh, and retired in 2021. While he enjoyed working for a variety of hardware and software companies, both established and startup, he found fulfillment in his last job working for GrapeSeed and selling educational software to schools to enhance English language learning.

Larry had a servant heart. Following his retirement, Larry cared for Joan’s mother through end of life. In addition to his professional work, he enjoyed serving in leadership roles at Pilgrim Lutheran Church (Indianapolis), Christ Memorial Lutheran Church (Malvern, PA) and Good Shepherd Lutheran Church (Pittsburgh, PA).

While growing up an avid St. Louis Cardinals fan, Larry embraced all things black and gold, especially the Steelers, during his 30 years living in Pittsburgh. He and Joan enjoyed walking, hiking and gardening together; he had a knack for making fried chicken and mashed potatoes, a love of chocolate ice cream, and a genuine curiosity and interest in other people that made him a quick friend to people of all ages and walks of life. Larry had a way of asking questions that made it easy for people to share their stories and ask for his advice. During his hospitalization in July, one of his nurses commented “you sure are long winded for someone so short of breath.”

Larry and Joan moved back to Indianapolis in July 2022 and looked forward to their retirement years close to family and friends. In this last year, Larry enjoyed meticulously renovating their house in Carmel, Indiana, reconnecting with friends at Pilgrim Lutheran Church, and working in their yard. It is estimated that he personally planted over 20,000 flower bulbs for Joan over the course of their marriage.

In January 2023, Larry, who never smoked, was diagnosed with advanced Stage 4 lung cancer with a genetic sequencing found in less than 1% of diagnosed lung cancers. In the face of a terminal illness, Larry remained optimistic and active, spending time with family and friends. He and Joan fulfilled a dream by taking a Viking cruise on the Rhine River in June.

In early July, Larry learned of progression of his cancer, yet remained hopeful about the second line drug. While visiting Emily and her family on vacation in South Haven, Michigan, Larry was hospitalized with drug-induced pneumonitis, a complication of his cancer treatment. On July 25, he was transferred by LifeLine helicopter to IU Health University Hospital in Indianapolis, where he died peacefully on August 9.

In his final days, Larry shared with family that he was “filled with hope, peace and joy.” His final gift was the gift of sight to two individuals through the donation of his corneas.

The Krueger family would like to thank Larry’s oncology team led by Dr. Misty Dawn Shields as well as the staff of the Medical Progressive Care Unit at University Hospital for the compassionate care he received.

Larry is survived by his wife, Joan; daughters Emily C. Krueger (husband, Frank Dale) and Sarah A. Krueger; brother, Ronald (wife, Becky) Krueger; sister, Peggy (husband, Lindsay) Watkins; brother-in-law, Bob Meyer and nieces.  He was a special friend to Beckett Gallagher-Dale, Jack Dale and Alex Dale, whose sports and school activities he relished.  He was preceded in death by his parents, brother Paul and sister, Carolyn Meyer.

The internment was at Crown Hill Cemetery on August 14.  A Memorial Service will be held at Pilgrim Lutheran Church, 3650 W 106^th Street, Carmel, IN 46032 at 11:00 on Saturday, September 2, where family and friends are invited to gather starting at 10:00 am.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to Pilgrim Lutheran Church, Carmel, IN or Camp Arcadia, 3046 Oak Street, Arcadia, MI  49613 or the charity of one’s choice including 16 Tech Community Corporation.