RESOLUTION
WHEREAS, God in His infinite wisdom has called CPL Kurt A. Kruegerto his eternal reward; and
WHEREAS, The Chicago City Council has been informed of his passing by the Honorable Marty Quinn, Alderman of the 13th Ward; and
WHEREAS, CPL Kurt A. Krueger was born on July 2,1962 to Carole and Kenneth Krueger of Chicago. He was raised jn the Chrysler Village neighborhood on the 5200 block of West 63rd Place along with his older brother Christopher and younger sisters Jeannine, Kendra, and Erica. He attended St. Symphorosa Elementary School and St. Laurence High School; and
WHERAS, The Krueger Family has a legacy of service to the United States Marine Corps. Kenneth Krueger served from 1956 -1958, Chris Krueger served from 1980 - 2006 and was in the Marine Corps Band, and Kurt Krueger served from 1980 -1984 when he was honorably discharged; and
WHERAS, During his time with the USMC, Kurt was stationed at Camp Lejeune in North Carolina along with his brother Chris. As part of his active duty, Kurt was a part of Operation Urgent Fury in the Caribbean aboard the USS Guam. The mission consisted ofthe United States' invasion of Grenada in 1983; their goal was to prevent a Communist government from spreading to other Caribbean islands. The invasion resulted in the appointment of an interim government and eventually led to a democratic election in 1984; and
WHERAS, After completing their mission in the Caribbean, the USS Guam continued on to Beirut, Lebanon. Here, the United States and French had been working on peacekeeping operations during the Lebanese Civil War. Kurt arrived after the tragic suicide bombings of the US Embassy that occurred on October 23,1983. He worked as a radio operator during the aftermath of the attack; and
WHERAS, While enlisted, Kurt received several recognitions: Rifle Badge Expert M-16, Sea Service Deployment Ribbon, Good Conduct Medal, Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, Marine Corps Expeditionary Medal, Navy Unit Commendation, and Combat Action Ribbon; and
WHERAS, After his service to the USMC, Kurt came home to Chicago. On September 18, 1991 Kurt married his wife Sharon in West Virginia, Minnesota. They were married for 28 wonderful years and raised their daughters, Beverly and Emily just down the block from Kurt's childhood home; and
WHERAS, Kurt dedicated his career to the United States Post Office. He delivered mail for more than 30 years in the Chicago suburbs. During his time with USPS, he received an award for 1 million safe driving miles, and
WHERAS, During the later years of his life, Kurt faced many challenges brought on by Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder as a result of his time in combat. In the midst of these struggles, Kurt continued to be a selfless and compassionate individual. He attended group meetings at Edward Hines VA Hospital in Maywood, IL. Kurt made a lasting impression on the other men in his group and many others at Hines VA as they remember Kurt as a strong individual who provided helpful feedback and support to those in need, and
WHERAS, Kurt passed away unexpectedly on December 22, 2019 as the result of an accident. He received full military honors and was interred at Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery in Elwood, IL, and
WHERAS, Those who remember Kurt remember a hard-working and caring neighbor, a family man, and a fantastic letter carrier. Kurt was someone who was always willing to help someone in need. He regularly helped his neighbors by completing landscaping work and snow removal for those who were unable to do it on their own. It was not uncommon for Kurt to shovel the sidewalks of a half dozen homes each time it snowed. All you had to do was ask and Kurt was willing to help in any way he could. He is sorely missed by his family, many friends, and customers on his mail route, and
WHERAS, CPL Kurt A. Krueger was a wonderful husband, father, son, brother, friend, and combat veteran. He lived a life of service to the United States of America, first as an honorable Marine and then as a dedicated mail carrier. His legacy embodies patriotism, hard work, and family values. He remains an inspiring example of the type of person we should all strive to be: selfless, kind-hearted, and resilient; now, therefore,
BE IT RESOLVED, That we, the Mayor and members of the Chicago City Council gathered here this twenty-sixth day of May, 2021, hereby express our sorrow on the death of CPL Kurt A. Krueger and extend to his family and friends our deepest sympathy.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That a suitable copy be presented to the family of CPL Kurt A. Krueger.