Jeffrey “JK” Kruer
11/7/1958-5/17/2025
Jeffrey “JK” Kruer passed away peacefully at home surrounded by family May 17th, 2025. He was born on November 7, 1958 in New Albany, IN to the late Edward “Butch” Kruer and Mary Margaret “Mommie” Koetter. He was the second youngest of 10 children. He was a graduate of Floyd Central High School, and he attended University of Louisville for one year. He made straight A’s, but chose to leave university so he could pursue his passion to “work with his hands.”
JK began his construction career with the “Shoe Dogs” at Acton Enterprises, where they built shoe stores across the Midwest. He had a true talent for construction and carpentry. His creativity meant there was never a problem he couldn’t solve, and his perfectionist tendencies ensured all of his work was impeccable. He split the remainder of his career between Koetter Construction and KM Stemler. Although he worked and loved commercial construction, he spent his free time woodworking, building furniture, or working on home renovations.
JK also loved music. He bought his first drum set with money he earned mowing lawns, and the rest is history. He and friends formed “OutAHand” band in the ‘80s. They played covers as well as wrote original music. If it was a Friday or Saturday night, you could guarantee there was a jam session "up on the hill!” JK also played drums at Cornerstone Community Church (now Hill City) for many years and loved being part of that community. In addition to playing and writing music, JK loved going to concerts, building stage models, and collecting records and CDs.
Although JK loved carpentry and music, there was nothing he loved more than God and his family. JK was blessed with a large family, including seven sisters; Peggy Fessel, Judy Curry, Mary Ellen Rodriguez (Rick), Shirley Balmer (Donnie Bowers), Louise Stumler (Anthony), and Wanda Bryant (Terry). He is also survived by two brothers; Edward Kruer Jr. (Marilou), and Joe Kruer (Cindy). He has many nieces, nephews, cousins, and godchildren. Jeff is preceded in death by his parents, his mother-in-law Carolyn Lindsey (Wright), sister Susie Morgan (Kruer), sister-in-law Anita Kays (Leidolf) and brothers-in-law CJ Fessel, Mark “Moose” Balmer, Mike Curry, and Danny Kays. Jeff never met a stranger, and was a friend to many.
He is survived by his “pride and joy,” his loving wife of 33 years, Terri Kruer (Kays) and his children Kelsey Vaughn (Stephen) and Jacob as well as his furry, four legged children Ziggy, Dublin, and “Evil-O.”
We will gather to celebrate Jeff’s life and legacy Friday, May 23rd at Hill City Church at 6639 Saint Mary’s Road, Floyds Knobs, IN. There will be a visitation from 12:00-4:00 with a service to follow at 4:00 pm in the auditorium.
Condolences (5)
Keith Bob
You may not have been related to me by blood, but you were so much a part of my family and a big part of my love of music. Always full of energy, life and love, you were a perfect role model for me while I was growing up. No matter how much I begged for your attention you never made me feel like a pestering kid. I was beside myself in anticipation of every jam session on the hill. I could hardly sleep for the excitement the night before every band practice when I got to hang out with you and the rest of the Outahand Band family. Thank you, JK, for being who you were for me and everyone that you loved and that loved you back. Rest easy until we meet again my dear friend and I am so truly thankful for having known you.
Nigel Hawman
We were neighbors up on the Hill. It was so cool when you and the boys popped open the garage and played those good ole Rock n Roll tunes on beautiful summer evenings. I can still hear Jack n Diane comming across the drive.
Peace and love to you Jeff and to Terry and the kids.
Duke
Always thought alot of JK, SUPERgreat cousin&friend!!! RIP JK. we missed you alot being around because of your illness!!!!
Eddie Kruer
Miss you brother. I always enjoyed your coming out to ride in the golf cart when Joe and I played golf. Also very proud that you became a young republican long before me as well as becoming a born again Christian before me. A testsment to your character. I will greatly miss your grin and laugh until we meet again. Sorry about all the Begals beatdowns!!
Love, Eddie
Cathy Kruer
JK was one of my favorite people. I had the pleasure of working with him for many years and considered him family before I ever married Joe and became his “Sis” as he called me. He was a very talented builder who was always up for the challenge of figuring out custom items and problem work arounds. And always very humble about it. He had the best loving characteristics of his Mother who I also loved dearly. He loved his family, his friends, his music, his politics and his dogs. I am sorry his last years were so difficult and he wasn’t able to enjoy life fully. I know he’ll be a a guardian angel for us all and when we hear a good dummer we can smile remembering JK knowing he’s likely in heaven playing a set too. God Bless you Jeffrey. Rest in peace.