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In loving memory ofJonathan Walter KruegerApril 12, 1993 – April 17, 2015

Son. Brother. Friend. These are only a few of the words that describe Jonathan. When you speak with his family and friends, you will find that those words are the foundation but only a drop in the ocean of words that can describe him. April 12, 1993, Jonathan was born into a family of two loving parents and three older siblings who immediately took him under their wing. Since day one they were four peas in a pod and countless family photos show years of love and adventures across the country along with a few intrepid trips abroad. Over the years he developed into quite the athlete and outdoorsman, hiking, biking, fishing, kayaking, skiing, snowboarding, swimming, playing soccer, tennis, golf, and his favorite, basketball. He was team co-captain of the Maumee Valley Country Day School basketball team his junior and senior years helping to lead his team to victory after victory. His buzzer-beater 3-point shot for the win against a rival school may be the most defining moment of his high school basketball career and will forever be remembered by his teammates, coaches and fans. Throughout his time at MV, he became known as “the man behind the camera”, always taking pictures and capturing moments. He studied photography and never missed an opportunity to photograph people, places and things.

His passion for basketball led him to the Big Blue Nation at the University of Kentucky and his love of photography led him to the Kentucky Kernel. From the moment he discovered the possibility of sitting on the sidelines, photographing his favorite team, he knew what he wanted to strive for. Although he photographed everything from student meetings to breaking news across Lexington, he lived for his moments on the sidelines of UK sports. When he became the head photo editor his junior year at UK during one of their basketball team’s most promising years he began dreaming of photographing the Final Four. Thanks to the Big Blue run, that dream came true and he was courtside for the biggest games of the year.

All that knew him describe him as compassionate, driven, genuine, always smiling, always willing to lend a hand, always the bright light in any moment. He was known for his bone-crushing bear hugs that could cure any ailment. Though his life was taken too soon, he lived every moment to the fullest with no regrets. To Jonathan, life was always an adventure, and every moment an opportunity to seize. He will forever be remembered for his extraordinary personality and above all, his kindness.

(Obituary published in The Blade, April 19, 2015)