Frederick A. Kruk

Frederick Albert (David) Kruk, age 64 of Crest Hill, passed away on July 1, 2008 while being surrounded by his wife and four daughters.

Frederick was born in Chicago to parents Ann and Frank Kruk on March 16, 1944. He went to Joliet Catholic and then met Father Reinhold Link OFM who became his friend, mentor, and spiritual counselor. Father Reinhold Link OFM brought Fred to St. Francis High School in Nebraska where he would receive a full scholarship to the University of Nebraska. Fred returned to the Joliet area to be taken under the wings of the Robert and Marjorie Schmitt family where he was like a brother to all their children. Fred was a member and leader of St. John's Boy Scout Troop #5 and a member of the Knights of Columbus.

Fred dedicated 38 years to AT&T and married his ""love"" Kathleen in Branson, MO. He enjoyed camping at Wilmington Recreation Club where fishing was his passion. Fast cars, telling ""tales"" of the one that got away, and sitting around the campfire with family and friends is the ""Freddy"" we all knew.

In his most recent years, he enjoyed his four granddaughters, Cydney, Jordyn, Ryley, and Kerrigyn. His grandson and namesake, little Freddy, was the most recent addition to his heart and put the twinkle in his eye. He is survived by his wife, Kathleen; four daughters, Susan (James) Knapp, Rachel (Jodi Kubiak), Amanda, and Anne; three step-children, Steven (Heidi) Sheldon, James (Deb) Sheldon, and Julie Vike; six step-grandchildren; and the Schmitt family, Robert, William (Mary Kay), Thomas (Cindy), Donna (Russ) Meiferdt, James, Kathy (Jim) Compston; numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins also survive.

""To know him was to love him""

Where chapel services will be held Saturday July 5, at 10:00 AM. Inurnment Woodlawn Memorial Park. Visitation and Video Tribute Friday July 4, from 1 to 6 PM.