Lilly Kruggel

Lilly Kruggel, 93, of St. Joseph, was called home to be with her Lord on Thursday, July 21, 2011. A Celebration of Life Service will be held Monday, July 25, 2011 at 11:00 A.M. at Starks & Menchinger Chapel, 2650 Niles Rd., St. Joseph officiated by Rev. Joel Kruggel with burial to follow at Riverview Cemetery. Visitation will be held Sunday from 2:00 P.M. until 4:00 P.M. at the funeral home. Lilly was born September 5, 1917 to Gottlieb and Mathilda (Schroeder) Kurbis in Biggar, Saskatchewan, Canada. At age 5 the family moved to Michigan. As one of seven children, Lilly lost her mother when she was only 11. With things tough for the family, Lilly began working as a live-in nanny at age thirteen to help provide for her younger sisters. Siblings Alfred, Rudolph, Adolph, and Irene preceded her in death. Lilly is survived by sisters Martha Mathewson and Ella Johnson. In May of 1937 Lilly married Arthur Kruggel. She and Arthur purchased their family home on State Street in St. Joseph where Lilly continued to live for over sixty years. Arthur preceded Lilly in death in 1968. Lilly is survived by her sons Mark (Cecelia) of North Carolina and Joel (Victoria) of St. Joseph and New Hampshire. She greatly enjoyed her grandchildren: John, Jeff, Chad, Hanni and Gretta. Lilly also cherished her times with her eight great-grandchildren. Over the years, Lilly worked at Cooper-Wells, Whirlpool Corp. and as a dress maker. She was a long time member of the First Assembly of God. During the years her son, Joel, pastored Harbert Community Church Lilly adopted Harbert as a second church family. Memorials may be made to Harbert Community Church or First Assembly of God. Those wishing to leave an online condolence may do so at www.starks-menchinger.com.