Leon M. Kruger, MD of Palm Beach Gardens, FL, formerly of Longmeadow, died peacefully on Friday, October 26, 2007 at the home of his daughter in West Orange, NJ. He is survived by his wife of 55 years, Anita Katz Kruger, a son Rick of Skokie, IL., his daughter Midge Kra and her husband David; grandchilden Abigail Kra Friedman, Dov Friedman, Jonathan Kra, Kim Kra, Daniel Kra, Erica Kruger and Daniel Kruger, and great grandson Netanel Friedman.
Dr. Kruger practiced orthopedics in Springfield for over 40 years beginning as partner with his father-in-law Dr. Edward Katz before founding Mulberry Orthopedic Associates in 1970. He served as Chief of Orthopedics at both the Wesson Memorial Hospital and the Baystate Medical Center. In 1986 he retired from private practice to work full time as Chief Surge -on at the Shriner's Hospital in Springfield. Dr. Kruger founded and was the first President of the Association for Child Prosthetic and Orthotic Clinics. Dr. Kruger was also Clinical Professor of Orthopedic Surgery at both Boston University and New York University. He was a 33rd Degree Mason.
Locally, Dr. Kruger served as President of the Springfield Symphony, President of the Jewish Nursing home of Western Massachusetts as well as President of Beth El Temple. He also served as President of the University of Virginia Medical Alumni Association.
Of all his accomplishments, Dr. Kruger was most proud of his work with children having published numerous papers on and serving on many committees in the field of child amputation and rehabilitation. He will be very dearly missed by all of his family and friends .