Larry Allen Kruger

Heaven gains another angel. Larry Allen Kruger, loving husband, father, uncle, son, "papa", and friend, 66, of Bentonville passed away Tuesday, September 20, 2016 at Mercy Medical Center in Rogers, Ark. surrounded by his family. He was born December 29, 1949 in Niles, Michigan to Rudy and Frieda (Dechert) Kruger. Larry grew up in a small town on a fruit and vegetable farm in Michigan. He was always humbled and inspired by his parents' strong work ethic and desire to do more for their family. He graduated from Eau Claire High School and attended Ferris State University. Larry and the love of his life, Cindy moved from Michigan to Northwest Arkansas in 1975 and began to plant their own family roots. They were married for 46 years and were partners in life as well as in business. They defined entrepreneurship and worked hard to achieve the American dream. They owned and operated many small businesses in NWA over the years including the Holiday Motel in Springdale, GameXChange in Fayetteville and Southern Treasures Antique Mall in Tontitown. However, Larry earned legend status with the ownership of the Razorback skating rink in Springdale. Larry was known for being a second father to every kid who came through the door every Friday night, and he also knew how to keep them all in line if he had to. And for those that had the opportunity to work for him, he would go out of his way to advise, coach and mentor. He loved every one of you and he always considered you part of his family. Larry had many passions in life. He adored spending time with his 2 children, Chad & Nicky, and his five grandchildren. He also was incredibly talented and educated in metallurgy. He enjoyed working with his hands and creating things from unique treasures he would find. However, his lifelong passion was sharing his love of cuisine. This all began back in 1968, when he served as a cook in the National Guard. At one time he even had over 40 cooks reporting in to him. Cooking was Larry's love language –he cherished sharing some of his favorite and new recipes/creations with his family and friends. You always knew there was an open seat at the Kruger dinner table for a warm meal. He was preceded in death by his father, Rudy, and mother, Frieda. Larry is survived by his loving and devoted wife of 46 years, Cindy Kruger; two children: his son, Chad Kruger and his wife Kari; his daughter, Nicky Dou and her husband Jerry; five grandchildren: Chase, Jossalyn, Kennedy & Kylie Kruger and Madison Dou and his brother, Rudy Kruger. Visitation will be Monday, September 26 at 10 a.m. with services beginning at 11:00am at Waterway Christian Church in Bentonville, Arkansas. A short reception will follow the service before going to his beautiful resting place at Pinnacle Memorial Gardens in Rogers. In lieu of flowers, Larry would want you to call an old friend or get your family together for a good meal "and eat it while it's hot" and make a toast to family and enduring friendships. Larry touched many lives– he had the biggest heart and was truly the definition of "unconditional love." Condolences: www.eptingfuneralhome.webs.com.