John Richard Kruckeberg, Dvm

Dr. John Richard Kruckeberg, age 66, entered into the presence of his Savior on Monday, October 31, 2016, at his home surrounded by his loving family.

Dr. John Kruckeberg was born in Greenville, Ohio, on February 1, 1950, to the late Ott and Helen Kruckeberg. He attended Ohio State University where he received his Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree in 1976. Dr. Kruckeberg served his country in the Army Veterinary Corp. for three years, after which he and his wife, Linda, purchased Animal Medical Clinic in Columbia, Tennessee, in 1979. Shortly after, he bought a farm in Williamsport where he enjoyed many hours farming and caring for his livestock and many pets.

After thirty years he sold the clinic and worked part-time at several local veterinary clinics and the Maury County Animal Shelter. His main passion in life was missionary work with Christian Veterinary Mission. He began mission work in the mid 90s and served on countless mission trips both domestic and international until his passing. Dr. John had a strong love and concern for the Native American people. Reverend Arch Warren, former Zion Presbyterian pastor, described him as a “missionary disguised as a veterinarian”. Dr. John was a long time member of Zion Presbyterian Church where he served as a deacon, elder, and head of the mission committee. He was a dedicated Christian, a devoted husband, father, and a Godly man. He loved people and loved animals and considered it a privilege to serve both. Above all, he loved God, his family, people, and animals. He will be greatly missed.

The family will visit with friends on Friday, November 4, 2016, from 5:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. at Williams Funeral Home in Columbia, Tennessee. Funeral services will be held on Saturday, November 5, 2016, at 2:00 p.m. at Zion Presbyterian Church with Rev. Paul Joiner officiating. Burial will follow at Zion Presbyterian Cemetery.

Dr. Kruckeberg is survived by his wife of thirty-eight years, Linda Lee Thomas Kruckeberg; his children Jessica (Aaron) Butler of Burns, Tennessee, Virginia (Peter) Willems of Williamsport, Tennessee, John P. Kruckeberg of Augusta, Georgia, and Joseph Kruckeberg of Chattanooga, Tennessee; grandson John Ransom Willems; brother JP Kruckeberg of American Falls, Idaho; sister Charlotte Buchy of Atkins, Arkansas; and several nieces and nephews.

Donations can be made in memory to Christian Veterinary Mission, 19303 Fremont Ave. North, Seattle, WA, 98133 ( www.cvmusa.org ), Zion Presbyterian Church mission committee, and/or Maury County Animal Shelter.

Williams Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements. Condolences maybe shared with the family at www.williamsfh.com .