Senator Bob Krueger

senator bob krueger
Robert "Bob" Krueger, devoted family man, accomplished public servant, and prolific academic, made his transition on April 30, 2022, at the age of 86 in New Braunfels, Texas, in the same home in which he was reared. Born in New Braunfels on September 19, 1935 to the late Arlon and Faye Krueger of New Braunfels, he was the beloved younger brother of his sister Arlene Krueger Seales. He enjoyed horseback riding, swimming in the Guadalupe River, throwing a baseball with his father, playing trumpet, eating his mother's homemade ice cream, playing cards, and inheriting his father's affinity for cars. Invariably, Bob demonstrated qualities of integrity, kindness, selflessness, generosity, empathy, diplomacy, and courtesy. He was a humanitarian and advocate for human rights. A prominent diplomat and intellectual with expertise in sub-Saharan Africa and conflict resolution, Bob held government office as a U.S. Senator, Congressman, Ambassador, and Texas Railroad Commissioner. Many Texans will remember Bob for his morality and intense desire to serve his country; his respect for all political angles of an issue prevailed over partisan ideals and party lines. Having earned his B.A. at Southern Methodist University, M.A. at Duke University, B.Litt at the University of Nottingham, and M.Litt and D.Phil at the University of Oxford in English, Bob was a literary scholar and published author. Throughout his life, he held various roles in higher education, including Vice Provost and Dean of Arts and Sciences at Duke University, and teaching positions at the University of Texas, Rice University, Texas Tech University, Texas State University, and others. The Senator Bob Krueger Public Service Scholarship has been created in his honor. Contributions can be made through the New Braunfels Community Foundation. Bob would say his most important roles in life were as husband, father, and grandfather. He married Kathleen Tobin in 1983 and unconditionally loved and unfailingly supported his wife, three children, Mariana, Sarah, and Christian, and grandson, Brooks. His family and friends will fondly remember his love for keeping up with public affairs and current events, reading poetry and prose, listening to classical music, enjoying mint chocolate chip ice cream, sipping sherry, and most of all, appreciating the natural beauty of the Texas Hill Country and beyond. Bob will be deeply missed, but his spirit will be "with [us] always, even to the end of the age" (Matthew 28:20). A privately held service to lay Senator Krueger's remains to rest will take place at Texas State Cemetery in Austin at a later date. In lieu of flowers, the family asks for donations to the Sen. Bob Krueger Public Service Scholarship Fund through the New Braunfels Community Foundation. https://nbcommunityfoundation.org/education/#kru (Link to donate can be found below.)

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  1. We are deeply sorry for your loss ~ Lux Funeral Home & Cremation Services

  2. Our prayers and thoughts are with Kathleen and the family at this time. We learned so much about Senator Krueger’s during the time that Kathleen was there for our family while our granddaughter Lily battled brain cancer and passed away at Dell Children’s Hospital in Austin. We can never thank the Kreuger’s enough for their service and dedication to God, The United States of America, Texas, New Braunfels and our family.

  3. I shared membership with Bob in two groups. The gang of four, Bob, me, Harvey and Hugh, who shared five years in New Braunfels schools. I am the last. Another group, Bob, Tommy Zipp, Fred Henne, Douglas Krueger and me went to the 1950 Boy Scout Jamboree at Valley Forge Park. I am the last. There were many great memories. I hope you will savor all of yours!!! Jimmy Leissner

  4. With deep gratitude for the kindness Bob showed me and the opportunities he provided. — Bob Biard

  5. I remember Bob going to so many soccer games our daughters played together! He did pace every once in a while! Kathleen, Sarah and the rest of your family I am so sorry for your loss! A huge loss, he was a kind man! Hugs to you all!! Michelle Swisher

  6. We send our warm condolences to the Krueger family from Len and Cheryl Gilpin and our son, Mark Allen. Bob shined a kind, peaceful, and intelligent path in our community and world. He set an example that inspired others and will continue.

  7. Our warm condolences to the Krueger Family from Lendon and Cheryl Gilpin and Mark Allen, Bob Shined a kind, intelligent path in our community, world.

  8. I first met Bob when I was nominated to be Ambassador to Burundi in 2009 and wanted to consult with him — a fellow Texan –about his experiences and lessons learned from his time as Ambassador there. Burundi is not a “sought-after” assignment; it was and continues to be a violent place. After reading his book, From Bloodshed to Hope in Burundi, I was even more impressed with his courage and humanity. I am privileged to have known him. He will be missed. Pamela J. Slutz U.S. Ambassador, Retired Kerrville, Texas

  9. How small the world is…Bob went with me to the Boy Scout Jamboree at Valley Forge, in 1950. Whenever we ran into each other, he would always ask if “I could still tie those knots like I used to?”. Always a friend, may his soul rest in peace.

  10. This native Texan from Houston wants to wish Sen. Bob bon voyage– farewell to the afterlife. First, thank you for co-teaching (w/ Howard Balanoff) the foreign affairs grad course at a Texas University and issuing me a final grade of A. While I exposed some liberal pro- environment comments and findings that didn’t sit well with classmates, Howard and you tolerated them, thought they were amusing! Second, the recommendation of the Mayo Clinic as a wonderful treatment option, I traveled their myself to check it out for future use, thank you. Third, we both lived for a time in DC (I’m currently in Maryland) and in North Carolina , Durham -Chapel Hill area. Took classes at the light blue school while you chancellored the dark blue one just 12 miles north. Finally, was great to see you right after the heart attack and you let me give you a hug of encouragement. Let’s hope some good liberal Democrat can someday regain your former Senate seat and truly do it with heart, for the people of Texas. –S. Spacek


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