By COLE REIF
Great Bend Post
From 2009 to 2021, Homer Kruckenberg served on the Barton County Commission. Kruckenberg also spent six years on the USD 428 Board of Education, two years in the United States Army and 44 years teaching at Great Bend High School.
Kruckenberg passed away April 13 at the age of 90. Commissioner Barb Esfeld recalled how respected and loved Kruckenberg was in the community.
"Before I decided to run for commission, I talked with Homer to make sure I had his support," said Esfeld. "He gladly supported me, and I do have a silver dollar and a $2 bill on my desk that I'll have forever. Even though he supported me, when I went around to get signatures before I could get my name on the ballot, I can't tell you how many people would not sign my sheet until they verified with Homer that he was agreeing with this."
Commissioner Donna Zimmerman said it was an honor getting to know Kruckenberg, the historian.
"I was not lucky enough to have him as an instructor, but I felt fortunate to work with him as a commissioner when I was Barton County Clerk," said Zimmerman. "I always enjoyed my time with him. You didn't often know what he was going to say. He was always interesting. I do have a pile of coins that he shared. I remember him sharing them with football teams and those people that crossed his path that he wanted to inspire."
Along with the proclamation honoring the life of the former commissioner, the Barton County Commission approved April 29, 2025 as Commissioner Homer Kruckenberg Day.