John Henry Kreuzburg, Jr, 76, a long-time Hiawatha resident passed early January 11, 2025, at the Hospice House in Topeka, KS with his family by his side.
John was born in Hiawatha, Ks, March 9, 1948 to John H. and Mary (Barnhisel) Kreuzburg. He was the youngest of 6 children. He grew up and attended Hiawatha schools, graduating with the Class of 1966.
He married Patricia Zimmerman at the Nazarene Church in Falls City, NE in March of 1968, as he was drafted into the Vietnam War and had to report to basic training in Ft. Leonardwood, Mo, soon after. He served 2 years in the US Army, in the 82nd Airborne Division. During his service, he was awarded the National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Campaign Medal, Purple Heart, Army Commendation Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, and Bronze Star Medal. He was honorably discharged in October 1969.
When returning back home he worked for Wilde Tool Co. for a short time before beginning his trucking career. He drove for Vaught Truck Line, Always Freight then went over the road and retired from TransAm Truck Lines after many years, due to health issues.
John attended the First Baptist Church of Hiawatha, where he became a member as a child.
His wife Patty, preceded him in death in July 1989. To this union, two children were born, Brenda Kaye and David Lee. He married Rose McNett in April 1991. They lived in Seneca KS for a few years before returning to Hiawatha in 1997. John loved his family, reading, card, and game nights with close friends Howard and Sheila Wenger, motorcycles, shooting his guns, garden tractor pulls, and visiting with the guys at Art Wenger’s shop the past several years.
He was preceded in death by his parents, siblings Lester, Arthur, Julia Kern, and Kathryn Wiltz, brothers-in-law Michael Kern, Ed Wiltz, and Richard Cramer, and his best friend, Howard Wenger.
He is survived by his wife, Rose, children David (Jessie) Kreuzburg of Topeka, KS, and daughter Brenda (Kevin) Thonen of Hiawatha, step children Mike (Tammy) Spicer of Fairview and Karen Roland, sister Mary Cramer, Salina, sister-in-law Olive Kreuzburg, Colony, KS; 9 grandchildren and his first great granddaughter was born in December.
A celebration of John’s eternal life is planned for 11 a.m. Thursday, January 23, at Chapel Oaks Funeral Home in Hiawatha. Pastor Michael Lehmann will officiate. Interment will follow at Hiawatha Cemetery with military honors courtesy of the Brown County Veterans Honor Guard.
Friends may call at the funeral home after 10 a.m. until 5 p.m. Wednesday. The family will meet with friends one hour prior to services.
Memorial contributions are suggested to Hope Brown County Cancer Fund or Brown County Veterans Honor Guard which may be sent in care of the funeral home, 124 S 7th St., 66434. www.chapeloaksfuneralhome.com