William “Bill” Kruggel, age 84, died on July 13, 2024, in Laramie, WY. Bill was born May 14, 1940, to William R. and Agnes D. (nee Radesky) Kruggel in St. Joseph, Michigan. He was raised and attended schools there, graduating from St. Joseph High School in 1958. He graduated from Kalamazoo College in 1962 where he earned a Bachelor of Science Degree with Chemistry and German as his majors. He then attended the University of Wyoming and in 1965 graduated with a Master’s Degree in Chemistry and in 1969 graduated from the same University with a Ph.D. Degree in Biochemistry. He furthered his education with post-doctoral positions at the Worcester Foundation for Experimental Biology in Shrewsbury, Massachusetts and in the Department of Animal Science at the University of Wyoming. He taught chemistry at the Kippenberg Gymnasium (a private girl’s school) in Bremen, Germany. After that he traveled extensively in Europe. Bill was employed as a staff member at the University of Wyoming in the Department of Molecular Biology (Biochemistry Department) until his retirement in 1995. He did volunteer work in the Pharmacy Department at Ivinson Memorial Hospital and at the Albany County Public Library. He traveled extensively with the Heritage Club.
Bill is preceded in death by his brother Thomas. He is survived by his Sister-in-law Gail of Maryland; a niece and two nephews and several cousins.
A memorial service will be held at Zion Lutheran Church, 406 South 19th St., Laramie, WY on Wednesday, July 17th, at 11:00AM, with a graveside service to follow at Greenhill Cemetery.
Memorials may be made to William G. Kruggel Endowment in care of the University of Wyoming Foundation, Laramie, WY. The purpose of the Endowment is to provide scholarships to Northern Arapahoe Native Americans who have graduated from high school on the Wind River Indian Reservation. Memorials may also be made to Zion Lutheran Church, Laramie, WY.
We both enjoyed knowing Bill as he was a unique friend. A gentle soul who was kind and generous as his scholarships indicate. Mel & Isa Riley
We are extremely saddened to lose a very special friend of our family since the 60's when my husband met Bill at Hill Dormitory. They became roommates in an apartment. Later he served as Best Man for our wedding. He wrote letters and sent cards to us from his travels in Europe, Hawaii, Michigan and Massachusetts never forgetting a birthday or anniversary. We will miss talking to him, his letters and cards. Bill was devoted to his parents and brother and cousin. He was a faithful Laramie volunteer, walker, church member even when he could no longer drive a car, and friend to many many people. He will not be forgotten.