Nelson Lytle Krueger, Pilot, Husband & Grandfather 09-11-1947 to 07-10-2026.
Nelson – known to his granddaughters as “Poppy,” took to higher skies on July 10, leaving a legacy that reached far and wide. He grew up in Natoma, Kansas, before moving to Hays during high school. His introduction to flying was when his parents took him and his brother, Henry, for a flight at a “Penny-a-Pound” event in Russell, KS. He determined then he would become a pilot, and flying was his passion all the days of his life. Nelly (as he was called growing up) sorted pop bottles at Dillons for 63 cents-an-hour to earn money toward flying lessons. When he reached the legal employment age, he worked as a “line boy” at the Hays airport, fueling airplanes and washing windshields in exchange for flying lessons. He soloed at 16, earned his private license at 17 and Instrument Rating and Instrument Instructor at 18. As a high school senior, he applied to every airline he knew, and when he and Judy married, they moved to Lawrence where he could continue his education as well as be close to Kansas City so he could keep touch with (pester) T.W.A. and more easily go other places to keep applying. He showed up at the Lawrence Airport and was immediately hired to take kids for rides at an ongoing event. That led to his becoming an instructor for the KU ROTC program. Persistence paid off. TWA called him with a class date for training, but not yet 21, he had to wait 3 months till he was 21 and 2 days old. The competition with former fighter pilots who had thousands of flight hours was daunting, but he survived. His first assignment was the Boeing 727, and later moved up to the Lockheed 1011, and ended his career on the Boeing 747. Intermittently, he taught at the TWA training center, and “on the line,” he instructed and served as a Check Airman. He was very proud to have instructed TWA’s first five female pilots. During one of the three furloughs (due to fuel shortages) he did some government affairs work for TWA, having earned experience working for Senator Bob Dole. In spare time, he taught many kids and adults basic flying and preparing others for upgrades.
The highlight of his career was his selection as a crew member for Pope John Paul II’s first visit to the United States. He didn’t think he’d ever meet the Pope, but the first day he was in the cockpit alone, the door opened, and the Pope stepped in, stared at Nelson (age 32) and said, “You are so young!” Nelson, stunned, eloquently answered back, “and you are so wet!” It was raining in Boston and jetways were not being used. The Pope’s next stop was New York where he was going to address the United Nations. Nelson offered his crew hanger and to hang to Pope’s cape under the air vent so the Pope would be comfortable and look good in New York. The Pope accepted. For every stop thereafter, the Pope would stop in the cockpit to check how he looked. A few years later, on a trip over Christmas, he was able to contact the Pope’s Secretary of State, and got permission to take the crew to Christmas Eve mass.
In 1990-1991, Nelson volunteered to fly troops as part of the Civil Reserve Air Fleet into and out of Desert Storm/Desert Shield on 18 trips. He loved meeting the soldiers, taking their photos and exchanging mementos with them. At the award ceremony when the war was over, he made sure the flight attendants on those flights received the same Air Medals as flight crew for flying into a war zone. He told the Air Force General the flight attendants had worked hard and made the soldiers feel cared for and comfortable and would have been just as dead as the pilots if something had gone wrong.
During three furloughs experienced in the 1970s due to fuel shortages and the Arab Oil Embargo, it was his honor to work in Kansas for Senator Bob Dole and for the U.S. Department of Labor, experiences which greatly expanded his perspectives and friendships across the state. His priority responsibility was to ensure the farmers had fuel for harvest and transporting crops to market. He remained friends with Senators Bob and Elizabeth Dole and Senator Nancy Kassebaum. Bob Dole’s advice during challenging times was “never give up,” and Nelson never did.
As proud as he was of his flying career and work for the Senator, Nelson’s greatest love was his family. He was a devoted husband, father, and grandfather. He said he felt adored by his wife, Judy, and he adored her. He was thrilled when his children, Jacquie and Trevor, were born and he did everything possible he could for them.
When grandson, Jack, came along, Nelson (Poppy) had great joy engaging him in a computer program called Jumpstart Toddler, taking him to the airport, and getting him a bottle of Coke from a friend’s old Coke machine. He was always happy when he drove home and granddaughters, Katherine and Charlotte, were there. They were the light of his life. Poppy was always proud of them and cheered on their accomplishments. As they got older, and in his last days, he never gave up asking about the status of their cars’ fuel, and he checked their oil, wiper fluid, and made sure they had money for fuel – and a treat. Most of all, he wanted them to be truly happy.
Some of Katherine and Charlotte’s favorite memories of Poppy include his picking them up from volleyball and “driving like a grandpa” so he could enjoy them and their conversations as long as possible. He taught them to drive – first on golf carts- then in his Suburban on less travelled streets and out to the lake. One year, he and Judy got monarch butterfly caterpillars. Nelson insisted one of the bathrooms would be the “incubator”- and so it was that Katherine, Charlotte and friends got to watch the monarchs through all the hatching stages. Then they set the new butterflies free. Poppy watched The Voice with the girls every Monday night and put up with them watching The Bachelor. He loved Easter, Christmas and candy as much as they did. He insisted on taking the girls to KU’s Lied Center for concerts and to Colorado as much as possible where countless memories were made. He, too, learned to distinguish between virga and the smoke of forest fires.
Nelson believed there was nowhere in the world better than Lawrence. Eating at his favorite Massachusetts Street restaurants was as important for socializing as it was for the food. He loved sitting at the bar where he could meet more people. He made new friends every day and everywhere. No one could remain a stranger. He’d begin by asking where they were from, telling them a joke or a story (he had many) and asking for theirs. He’d usually find a connection they shared. His kindness, humor, and sense of adventure shaped and uplifted many spirits. He also loved, entertained, amused and appreciated all the doctors, nurses, and caregivers he had along the way. With grace and appreciation, he accepted the dignity-robbing care he knew he had to have. A week before he slipped away, he and Judy quietly celebrated their 59th anniversary. They were together and at home.
Recognitions Nelson earned were many and diverse. Among them were:
Distinguished Alumni, Fort Hays State University
BS & MS for Business Administration & Physics
Award of Excellence/ Flight Crew of the Year – TWA
Crisis Response Team Member – TWA
Rare Bird Award – Air Line Pilots Association (ALPA)
Induction into the International Forest of Friendship Outstanding Aviators by the 99s
Wright Brothers Master Pilot Award – Federal Aviation Administration
60 years ago, Nelson and I shared a room in the AKL house. It was very small and had a miniature bathroom. There, Nelson taped a poster(s) of a 747 cockpit which he could study from a setting position. God Bless you and your family.. I pray for you.
Truly a life well lived! Nelson will be greatly missed Condolences to Judy and family.
Nelson was truly a unique and kind person and will be remembered fondly by this fellow TWA pilot. We worked together in training on the 727 several times and there was never an easier person to get along with. Kansas lost a valuable asset. RIP friend,
Nelson and I were fraternity brothers at Fort Hays and he always impressed me as a wise, considerate brother.
Nelson was my close friends in Collage. He was also in the same fraternity AKL I was in. He helped buy my first airplane, a Piper Pacer and taught me how to land a
Tail Drager” airplane. We both enjoyed Greek sings in collage. God created a great guy and now Nelson will entertain Heaven. Our thoughts are with you Judy.
He was a wonderful friend. You wrote a beautiful tribute to him. Please accept my deepest condolences
Nelson was one of the most engaging and compassionate pilots that I had the privilege to work with during my years in KC. His was a life well lived.
It was always a treat to see Nelson at the Farmer’s Market with his signature hat and his jacket adorned with emblems of aircraft and accolades. He would catch us up on Judy and the latest on the grandkids. And always, there were stories about flying or the rush of take-off when he’d push the throttle forward on a jetliner powered by those quad, Rolls Royce engines. It was easy to hear the thrill in his voice recalling the vision of clouds parting as he “soared into the wild blue yonder.” Then he would chuckle and with a wink say, “It’s more important to land the plane, though.” That’s the memory we have of Nelson—a man who could soar and yet appreciate being grounded.
God has a new angel with experienced wings. I remember the stories of you as my Dad and you both International Captains with TWA and the kindness you showed when my Dad was ill the CD you gave us with cockpit videos that made my Dad smile. I know you two will again share stories. Judy I know you remain proud.
Oh Nelson, I will miss your open arms and your big smile. Judy, I am thinking of you and the family.
You were the most excellent pilot of my 100’s of TWA DCS flights. A calm leader, concerned about your cabin crew and always treated us with respect as your team. You were a model pilot and always the Ambassador of Good Will for TWA and for the Country. Thank you for your service and many contributions to aviation !
Oh my goodness:(. Judy we are so sad to read of Nelson’s passing. It has been a long road for you both. We are so very blessed to have many wonderful memories of our special times together. We love you. Larry and Nancy
My sincere condolences to you and the rest of the family on the passing of Nelson. I went to Hays High School with him and enjoyed his happy attitude. He accomplished much in his life as did Judy, his wife, who I also went to school with.RIP Nelson in your final flight. 🙏🙏
So sad to hear about Nelson’s passing. My condolences to Judy and the rest of the family. I went to Hays High School and enjoyed knowing him. Fly Nelson, fly. 🙏
Nelson was just one of the nicest people you’d ever meet and if he ever had a bad day you’d never know it. Thank you Captain for sharing the joy of flight with me and so many others. We’ll miss you but as in the past, every time I see a 747 I’ll remember you (and your in home cockpit). Fly high my friend and may you now touch the face of God and may he shower you and your family with love and grace.
Nelson,
There is a hole in my heart, and I have missed you since I heard of your Final Flight. You have been on my heart of late and I look forward to seeing you again.
Up, Up, and Away!!! Fly with the EAGLES!!! Young Man!
Your Friend Bill “Mitch” Mitchell
What a tremendous loss. Every time I saw Nelson, he made me and everyone with me feel as though we were the most special people he had ever met. He was full of joy and shared his love of life just by his very presence. We will all miss his energy, his kindness and his warmth.
Always a smile and a kind word. The most social person I ever had the pleasure to meet and know. To have had a positive affect on every person Nelson ever met is a true testament to his great and selfless personality. Mankind has lost one of its best.
I had the privilege of working with Nelson in the registrars office at Fort Hays where we were both students in the 60’s. He was a hard worker who paid attention to details and we had many interesting conversations in the vault that held student transcripts. He’s left behind a great legacy for family and friends and I am praying for you as you adjust to life without him.
Sorry to hear about Nelson‘s passing. My condolences to Judy and family.
I hope Judy and the rest of the family know how much the van Wunnik family iin Texas appreciates the Krueger family, whose sponsorship through Henry made it possible for them to emigrate to the U.S. from the Netherlands. Jack and I are so grateful to Nelson for his generosity in providing us with several of Dad van Wunnik’s Dryden Pottery creations. His memory will be a blessing to many, and certainly is to us.
Thank you “Mr. Lawrence” for your friendship and all that you gave to others. Peace to Judy and the family.
Judy and Jacque, my most sincere condolences to you both as well as Jacque’s daughters and all family members. I first met Nelson at Kizer Cummings Jewelers while he window shopped and sometimes found the perfect present for both ladies, shopping with Trevor for a watch. Later, he’d visit Jaq when she worked for us part-time. May your memories be the best treasures, always. <3 Martha
Nelson lived a full life and never met a stranger. I will truly miss our time together at the airport, lunches, and visiting the TWA museum. He always had a story and a good laugh to go along with it.
He is our local Lawrence Legend, a one of a kind. I am honored to call him a friend.
My thoughts are with his family.
Fly High Nelson ✈️
From our days together at TWA, to our lunches to “eat fish”, Nels was always a joy to be around. My thoughts and prayers for Judy and family. A personality this big is going to be missed.
I am so sad to hear this news. Your family is so special to me and I will cherish knowing you all. Nelson was smart, charming, passionate and loving. I felt he never knew a stranger; he was just one of those people who connect with everyone. I will always honor his memory. Hugs and prayers to you all.
What a blessing to get to know Nelson through Judy–I’m not sure I could have met a nicer guy and seeing him over at the Statehouse was always a treat. My condolences to Judy and Jackie and the rest of the family.
My deepest condolences to the family. I met Nelson when he was helping my son Scott Farmer, when he was first hired with TWA. He was so supportive of Scott’s career, and so kind to us both. He really was a special guy.
Dearest Judy, and Jackie and family,
With such sadness I just learned of Nelson’s illness and passing into Our Father’s heavenly arms…what joy there must have been that reception! Can you imagine the twinkle in Nelson’s eyes as well as all the saints there to greet him and talk about a life well lived!!!
Don and I, and our family send you our loving support as we can only imagine how much you will miss his daily presence.
Some day we’ll all be united there, listening I hope, to all of Nelson’s new stories about his heavenly encounters!
Our love to you all,
Don and Jackie (Hansen Ellena) Pellow and family.
I am truly sad to learn of Nellie’s passing. What a great and treasured classmate and friend Nellie was to us all. He always radiated a marvelous, mischievous sense of humor. I remember singing with him in the Hays Highlighters, and his love of music and his talent followed him through life. And what an exciting, spectacular aviation career…he reached the pinnacle of professional success at TWA in TransWorld Airline’s heyday and was clearly the pride of TWA as an example of who and what a master aviator is and should be. He had the privilege to live a wonderful life with a wonderful wife, Judy. My sincere sympathies to you, Judy, and to Nels’ entire, beautiful family and his close friends. And now he gets to reunite with Saint John Paul and may be flying him around heaven in a TWA 747 as I write this.
So sorry to hear of the passing of such a kind and genuine human. Always enjoyed having a chat with Nelson over his latest batch of photos.
Working with Nelson has been an honor and great pleasure—you too Judy! I will miss his humor and infectious joy. You both will be in my thoughts.
Nelson was my Father’s flight instructor in College at KU and a longtime family friend. I always enjoyed the time we spent together with Nelson and his calm demeanor and positive attitude and energy. He’s with Trevor now smiling down on all of us. Nelson made the challenges of life seem worth pursuing and for that we will miss him and his gentle nature deeply. You will be missed.
Godspeed Goose
Nelson was very kind to me when I entered KU as a freshman in 1980. I was a fish out of water in Lawrence, KS but Cousin Nelson reminded me that I had family nearby. I will never forget hanging out with him at his house, and riding with him in his fancy red Corvette. My condolences to Judy, Jackie and the whole family.
Dear Krueger Family,
I was very sorry to hear of Nelson’s passing. He was my fraternity brother in Alpha Kappa Lambda, Alpha Delta Chapter, at Fort Hays State University, and someone I always admired.
Nelson took me on my very first flight in a small single‑engine plane at the Hays airport. I will never forget the thoughtful experience of him taking me up in an airplane for the first time — it was a generous gesture that showed exactly the kind of person he was.
Please know you are in my thoughts during this difficult time.
I will never forget the kindness and generosity of spirit that Nelson shared with my family and I. He flies with me every time I go to work, I carry his TWA flight bag tag with me on every trip. He’s still flying, just a little higher now. Grateful to have known him. So much love to Judy and family.
My sincere condolences- what a man.
Dear Judy and Jackie,
You are in the thoughts and prayers of our family. Nelson was such a joy to talk with and experiencing his positive thoughts. He was always interested in Garth, Jr’s F-16 pilot experiences and in his role as a captain for Southwest Airlines, and too for his encouraging statements. Many envied his experiences as a career airline pilot, traveling the world and flying the Pope. Rest in peace my friend.
Nelson was truly one of a kind. And truly kind. The best combination. Hoping that all the memories will bring years of smiles.
Nelson was truly one of a kind. And truly kind. The best combination. Hoping that all the memories will bring years of smiles.
Deepest condolences to Judy and Jackie. Nelson was a wonderful gentleman who always had a smile on his face. Always a pleasure to be with. Rest in peace Nelson.
Judy & Jacquie, you’re in my thoughts and prayers 🙏 Nelson krueger was one of greatest people that I had the privilege of meeting. Rest in peace my friend.
Fly high, Nelson!
We always enjoyed running in to him & his bride downtown. We will remember him fondly! ❤️❤️
Nelson was such a kind and supportive man, that adored his family and friends!
I have many fond memories of Nelson. He was a neighbor for many years. My late husband was a United Airlines pilot, so he and Nelson had a very special bond.
I know that Van was there to welcome Nelson to his new home!
I am certain they ate talking “flight”
With great enthusiasm!!
As much as they are missed here on earth, we must rejoice that they have broken the bonds of Earth.
My sincere condolences to Judy and family. I know personally how difficult this time is for you❤️🙏🙏
Nelson was a singularly kind man. A light has gone from Lawrence with his passing.
Steve and I send our deepest sympathies to Judy and family. Nels was truly a one-of-a-kind soul with a joy for life and all things aviation. He will be missed.
We will always remember Nelson sauntering down the sidewalk along Inverness Drive, carrying a cup of coffee, and chatting with every neighbor he encountered. Such a delightful guy! We will really miss him.
I was sorry to learn of Nelson’s passing. My husband and grandson spent a great deal of time talking with Nelson at the airport. At the time my grandson was a little guy and he is 19 now, but he cherishes the time he spent with Nelson and all that he learned from him. May he RIP
When I last saw Nelson, I knew he wasn’t well, but it was “hi, how are you doing, kid!“ with a big smile. I cherish the flights we took over the river many times for photography and he was every bit as excited as I was to get the amazing views. His flying was so impressive and I was not surprised he had 50 years of safety records. I will be ever indebted to him and send much love to Judy and his enormous circle of family and friends.
Our deepest sympathy to the Krueger family. Nelson was a wonderful man. Always had a smile on his face and was truly present when talking with you. May God’s love and fond memories of Nelson help ease the families grief.
Nelson was a kind man with a great smile. He never missed the opportunity to educate and share his knowledge of aviation.
Nelson was a warm, kind and gentle man with a great smile for everyone. Condolences to Judy and family.
I used. to have coffee with Nelson at the student union at Fort Hays State years ago. He was a really great guy. Later on, I saw him around Lawrence, still the same friendly guy. My condolences to the family.
I used. to have coffee with Nelson at the student union at Fort Hays State years ago. He was a really great guy. La her on, I saw him around Lawrence, Still the same interesting guy. My condolences to his family.
Nelson was a remarkable man who lived an extraordinary life. He touched many people through his skill and love of aviation. We feel fortunate to have known him and to have called him our friend.
Sincere condolences.
I’m so sorry to read this. Nelson was one of a kind! Judy & Jacquie you are in my thoughts and prayers.
Judy, so sorry to hear of your loss. Nelson was always kind, caring and a friend to so many! Praying God will give you and your family strength and peace as you journey through this difficult time. Nelson will be flying around Heaven not needing his airplane, of course! Leann
Judy & Jackie, so sorry for your loss. Nelson always liked when I shared my memory with him of getting our entire Deerfield 1st Grade Class on a tour of a TWA Airplane just to see what it was like which, was back in the 1970’s! We all thought, what a COOL guy which, he obviously was! My thoughts and prayers are with you & your family during this time.
We will miss him dearly!
He was a great asset to city and community of Lawrence .
Nelson was a member of the Lawrence Breakfast Cosmos Club for many years. It was always great to listen to his stories of his life and especially the program he gave to the club about when he flew the Pope around the United States. Nelson will be missed and we have his family in our thoughts and prayers.
Judy, I read with great sadness the news of Nelson’s passing. His life long friendship with John was so precious.
One of kind! Rest easy our friend
Nelson holds a special place in my heart, as I know he does for so many others. When he was on the board for the Friends of the Lied Center, he was so generous with his time and support… making me more successful due to his engaging, thoughtful actions. He brought everyone he connected with into his warm circle and we are all better for it! Sending my condolences to Judy and the whole family.
Nelson was always teasing, but in a fun way. Never mean. We laughed a lot as we went about our volunteer work. He was a true gem. May his memory be a blessing to all who knew him.
A kind and generous man. He will be greatly missed.
For Judy, Katherine, Charlotte and all of the Krueger family – I send my respect and admiration for a native Kansan who made his state so proud so many times. He will remain in my memory.
It always was such a treat to spend any time with Nels. He truly was one of the good guys. My condolences to Judy and family.
My condolences to Judy and family. Nelson was a kind, gentle soul. He will be missed.
What a great, kind man. His tenacity in fighting his illnesses was remarkable. He will be missed by all who knew him. Prayers and peace for Judy and family.
Our deepest sympathy to Judy and the Krueger family–as well as the Lawrence community—who’ve lost such a kind and caring man; and true character. The times we shared with Judy and Nelson were always full of fun and insightful conversation. Nelson was a true gem—a “Château d’Yquem” of mankind.
A loss for our community. Much love to all the family. I remember when he flew my father all over the state when he ran for office in the 70s. A man of morality and passion for all things good and honest.
We miss him already. Nelson was always fun to talk with and listen to his adventures. He took a sincere interest in what others were accomplishing. Keeping his family and friends in our prayers.
During a lifetime we meet many…a few are truly remarkable. Nelson was one of those.
A true friend and morale lover, all a smile on his face whatever I greeted the gentleman, Mr. Gwin, he would say I’m sorry for the loss
Judy and Jacqie, you have my deepest sympathy in the passing of your beloved husband and father. Nelson was a warm, optimistic friend from elementary school on. Although, we have not been close in our post college days, I remember him fondly as do other members of our Natoma school days.
Judy, thank you for sharing Nelson with so many people. He was a positive leader and a great enthusiast for our Lawrence community and the great State of Kansas. I will always remember the great stories he shared about his opportunity to fly the Pope from Rome to America. I remember his love for Bob Dole as a young man, and he was so proud to raise money for him and coined the phrase “Dimes for Dole”. Only Nelson could have fun with hard work and engaging others to help in many causes. He is loved by many and will always remain in our hearts.
One of a kind. Condolences to Judy and Jackie. RIP.
My condolences to the Kreuger family for their loss of Nelson. May he rest in peace.
Nelson was a wonderful mentor and a positive influence. He will be missed.
So sorry to hear of Nelson’s passing. Nelson was a close friend for many decades, a mentor, Brother and the Greatest Guy ever !!
My most sincere sympathies and condolences to family and friends. He had many good friends, including myself. He is truly home now, which is comforting to our hearts.
My most sincere sympathies and condolences to family and friends. He had many good friends, including myself. He is truly home now, which is comforting to our hearts.
So sorry to hear of Nelson’s passing. He was truly one of a kind. May his memory be a blessing to everyone who was fortunate enough to have known him.
Nelson was a Kansas treasure, a TWA gem, and a friend to everyone he met. Rest peacefully my friend. My sincerest condolences to his family.
So sorry to learn of Nelson’s passing.
Fair winds and following seas, Nelson. Godspeed!
Fair winds and following seas, Nelson. Godspeed!
Nelson was an asset to TWA. Our condolences and prayers.
To all the Krueger family and friends; please accept my condolences and sympathy for your loss. We will remember you, Nelson, as a true gentleman, an asset to our flying compadres, and an exemplary member of society.
A good fellow Airman and friend but he is in a perfect place now.
Condolences to all of the family.
Truly a great loss, dear friend, fellow pilot.
My sincere condolences to to Judy and Jackie and the Rest of the
So very sorry to hear of his passing