William "Bill" Krucke

We're sad to announce that just a few weeks after his 100th birthday celebration William "Bill" Krucke passed away peacefully on their 72nd wedding anniversary. Bill was born on June 9, 1926 in New York city, to John Andreas Krucke and Marie Lahm Krucke. After living in Montclair and Newark, Bill grew up in Irvington, NJ, where he graduated from highschool. He was drafted into the US Army shortly thereafter. After basic training in Camp Blanding, FL, Bill was shipped overseas where he became a combat infantryman in the 10th Armored Division. His platoon moved in an Army half track and fought in France, Germany, and Austria, helping to bring an end to World War II. Because he spoke German fluently, he had more "adventures", dangerous, scary, helpful, interesting, and sometimes amusing, than most. Later in life, Bill became renowned for his story telling about his time in the Army. He wrote it all into a book which many people have read. Unbeknownst to Bill at 18, he had been awarded the Bronze Star in March of 1945 for "heroic or meritorious achievement or service in a combat zone" . Because of his various moves, they never located him until last year and so in October of 2025, a hugely attended proper military ceremony was given on by Fort Jackson, SC, including an Army band, to present Bill with the Bronze Star, only 80 years late. Bill was stationed in Texas for a while after the war and when discharged attended college under the GI Bill where he received a degree in Chemical and Industrial Engineering from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute in Troy, NY,. After graduating Bill worked briefly for SKF Roller Bearings before accepting a sales position with Raybestos-Manhattan (R/M), a leading manufacturer of automotive and industrial products. On the very day he was scheduled to begin his new sales territory, Bill was recalled to active duty with the Army Reserves during the Korean War. What initially seemed like a bad career interruption, proved to be a nice thing. During this assignment, Bill taught soldiers about marine engines after he completed specialized training. While stationed at Fort Eustis in Virginia, Bill met his future wife, Bruce who lived nearby at Fort Monroe, where her father was stationed. Bill returned to R/M after retiring from active duty. In 1960 he became Sales Manager for New England which entailed a lot of travel. In 1968, he went back to R/M Corporate in Bridgeport, CT, and they lived in Guilford, CT. In 1974, R/M Corporate moved to North Charleston, SC and Bill and Bruce moved South. Over the years, Bill held a wide range of roles at the company, including overseeing OSHA compliance, selling a variety of products, and establishing new offices in Germany and South Africa. After R/M became Raytech Bill became Vice President of International Sales, during which he traveled the world. After retiring from Raytech Bill continued to share his expertise, working as a sales consultant for about eight years with the US subsidiary of a Raytech customer, Kuriyama of Japan, making monthly trips to Chicago. Bill fully retired at age 77. Bill and Bruce lived 30 years rural Yonges Island/Meggett, SC, where he was active in the community as the town designed its new zoning. In 2014 they moved to their retirement home, The Village at Summerville. While Bruce is still in their cottage, Bill transferred to the Palmetto Unit of the Ligon Health Center of the Village, seven months ago where he could have full care. Bill is survived by his wife, Constance Bruce Watts Krucke, sons Carl Watts Krucke and John Bruce Krucke, daughter in law Clare Buchanan, and granddaughter Lauren Weaver Krucke. He was predeceased by son Kurt William Krucke (Clare). The family hopes everyone will remember Bill as he was during the big 100th birthday party and inspiring Bronze Star ceremony. Burial will be private at Christ St. Paul's Church Meggett cemetery. Memorials may be made to the Employee Appreciation Fund, 201 West 9th North St., Unit 140, Summerville, SC 2943

William "Bill" Krucke

June 9, 1926 - June 26, 2026