New Orleans, La.—Theodore Kruger, 94, resident of New Orleans, La. and Norfolk, Va. died peacefully in his sleep in New Orleans on November 28, 2022.
He was born in Berkeley on August 20, 1928 to Eleanor and Abe Kruger, stalwarts of the Berkeley community.
Growing up in Berkeley, Teddy worked in his parents’ grocery store. He shared many stories of how Pop and Bubbi Kruger worked hard to serve the needs of the Berkeley community. This experience influenced his career path in food service.
A graduate of University of Virginia, Ted proudly managed the UVA Baseball team. Teddy, or “Feets” (size 13) as his fraternity brothers called him, maintained his UVA friendships for his lifetime.
Ted’s career in food service established him as a visionary. As owner of Hampton Roads Burger Chef franchise, he developed the first downtown fast food restaurant concept in our area. His Wards Corner location was a community staple. He went on to develop unique restaurant venues and later used his skills to identify tower sites with Verizon, ushering the local community into the digital age.
Teddy was selfless and totally devoted to his family, friends, and his Temple Israel community.
He greatly valued his friendships through Temple Israel and his beloved minyan, which he attended daily and often led.
He is survived by his daughter Dr. Ellen and her husband David of NOLA, who lovingly welcomed him into their home to live his final chapter. He is also survived by his daughter Shelley and her husband Dr. Jeffrey of Williamsburg. He was most proud of his grandchildren, Kelsey and Dr. Jonathan of NOLA and Dr. Clay of Suffolk and Zach and his wife, Amy, of Calif. He especially adored his great grandchildren: Joelle, Genesee, John, and Winnie. Niece Sara and her family were like his own children. Ted was predeceased by his loving wife of 50 years, Ina, his dear daughter Terri, and brothers Dr. Howard and Dr. David.
The funeral was held at Forest Lawn Cemetery in Norfolk with Rabbi Michael Panitz of Temple Israel officiating.
Contributions may be made in Ted’s honor to Rabbi’s Discretionary Fund Temple Israel or a charity of the donor’s choice. Condolences may be left online at HDOliver.com.