Milton Lester (Pete) Krugman, 88, of Grand Rapids, went to be with the Lord on Friday, July 3rd, 2026. Pete was born on February 18, 1938, in Watervliet, MI to Walter and Neva (Kimball) Krugman. Pete’s life was marked by an unwavering commitment to the Lord and to those he loved. Described by his family as faithful, loving, and selfless, he exemplified all these qualities as a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and friend.
As a child, Pete grew up on a fruit farm and enjoyed being outdoors while helping on the farm with his two siblings. After graduating from Watervliet High School in 1956, Pete enlisted in the US Navy and served for 4 years from 1957-1961. Pete was part of the crew in Squadron VW-1, based in Guam, serving as an electronics crew chief. He flew on Super Constellations that were equipped to identify and analyze enemy offensive and defensive weapons, as well as weapons-delivery systems. His crew was secondarily tasked with typhoon penetration operations. Pete had a lifelong passion for aviation, and he earned both his private pilot license and his helicopter license after his military service.
Pete was married to his beautiful wife, Susan Ann Sponable, for 62 years. They both had hearts devoted to serving others in ministry, sharing the gospel and leading many to faith. Pete graduated from Grand Rapids School of the Bible and Music in 1966 and served as a pastor in several Bible churches in Michigan and Texas during his 20-year career in ministry.
He was an avid golfer and shared his love of the sport with his son; the two of them spent countless hours on the course together alongside friends. Pete loved to be outside in the sunshine, whether he was home in Michigan or on one of his visits to see family in Florida or Utah.
Pete is survived by his brother Noble Krugman, sister Shirley (Allen) Fietz, son John (Candace) Krugman, daughter Melissa (Jim) Webb, daughter Stacia Givens, and grandchildren Daniel (Megan) Webb, Kristin (Geoff) DeLaune, Cortney Krugman, Caleb Krugman, Jackson Webb, and Savanna Webb as well as four great-grandchildren and several beloved brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, and nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Walter and Neva (Kimball) Krugman; his wife, Susan (Sponable) Krugman; and his parents-in-law, Robert and Avis (Miles) Sponable.
He will be dearly missed and fondly remembered by all those whose lives he brightened just by being himself and sharing the love of the Lord.
A private family graveside service will take place prior to his Celebration of Life service at Ada Bible Church – Knapp Street Campus (3869 Knapp St NE, Grand Rapids, MI 49525) at 11am on Thursday, July 30th. Visitation and a light lunch with the family will follow the service. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Our Daily Bread Ministries.
The Krugman family is being served by Yntema Funeral Home, 251 South State Street,
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