Mark Kruger, known to all as Moshe, passed away suddenly on November 4 at the age of 69. Moshe was the Executive Director of the Jewish Federation of St. Joseph Valley. He worked tirelessly in that role and had a lasting impact in the Jewish community and throughout Greater South Bend and Southwest Michigan.
Moshe lived in Sawyer, Michigan, whose beautiful lakeshore and woods brought him great joy. He will be buried in this place that he loved most, and next to his dear son, Joshua Isaac, who passed in 2017.
He is survived by a large, heartbroken family: his wife Karen Richman, daughter Hani, foster-son Pierre, brothers Reuven, David, Eliyahu, sister Martha, sisters-in-law Elyse, Chava, Amy, Robin and the late Lizzie, brothers-in-law Michael, Jim, Ted, and Neil and many nieces, nephews, grandnieces, grandnephews, great-grandnieces and great-grandnephews. Moshe was in Israel, basking in every moment of a joyous reunion with his huge, adoring family when he passed.
Moshe lit up the room wherever he went. He was big-hearted, playful, and generous. Passionate for all that he cared about, he embraced it all with vigor, hard work and excitement.
A memorial service honoring Moshe’s life and legacy will be held on Monday, November 10 at 2:00 PM at Sinai Synagogue, located at 1102 E LaSalle Ave, South Bend. A shiva will follow at 5:00 PM to 6:30 PM. The burial will be private.
If you are unable to attend the service in person, please join us virtually via Zoom at https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81471928889?pwd=QaOIReTA4sCIS8T9bfYrb0VZQEdxTX.1.
Shiva will be observed Tuesday and Wednesday evenings, November 11 and 12, from 5:00–7:00 PM at the Jewish Federation of St. Joseph Valley.
Messages of condolence may be sent to Moshe’s wife, Karen Richman, via the Jewish Federation at [email protected].
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to:
- Jewish Federation of St. Joseph Valley (https://thejewishfed.org/donate)
- Beit Uri, a home for special needs adults, including his niece, Shoshi (https://www.bet-uri.org.il/home-page)
- Neighbor by Neighbor (https://neighborbyneighbor.org/)
- Interfaith Action of Southwest Michigan (https://swmichinterfaith.org).
Arrangements have been entrusted to Wagner Family Funerals Pobocik Chapel, Three Oaks. Please share a memory or a message online: https://www.wagnercares.com/obituary/MarkMoshe-Kruger
