John Joseph Krug

Brother Gregory Krug, 92, one of the founding monks of Mepkin Abbey, died Friday, December 23 at the Abbey, a Trappist monastery located just outside of Moncks Corner, SC,

The son of George F. and Casilda Kramer Krug, he was born May 30, 1919 in Detroit, MI, and moved to Los Angeles, CA when he was very young. After four years at Loyola University, Los Angeles (1937- 1941) with a major in engineering, he joined the Army on May 27, 1943. He served as an aerial photograph interpreter in Central Burma and India, and received the American Theater Service Medal, the Asiatic Pacific Theater Service Medal and the World War II Victory Medal. He was honorably discharged as a Captain on March 13, 1946.

Br. Gregory entered the Abbey of Gethsemani in Kentucky on January 17, 1948, and became a novice on July 25, 1948. On November 14, 1949, he came as a Founder of Mepkin Abbey where he made Simple Vows on August 15, 1950, (the day of the Promulgation of the Dogma of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary) and Solemn Vows on August 15, 1953. From 1949 through the mid 1990s, Br. Gregory was Mepkin's Infirmarian, taking care of the monks during illnesses and disabilities. His kindness to each of those who came to him was exceptional, whether for an ingrown toenail or something much more serious. He was especially patient with the aged. He took care of many of the Brothers in their declining years and who have preceded him to the Father’s House with selflessness, professionalism and attention to detail. With Brother Laurence, he also helped many of our neighbors with food, clothing and medical help. He was devoted to the Word of God and his New Testament was never out of his sight. It is a much used and “battered” book, but remained his constant companion to the day he died.

He is survived by one sister, Mary Erlandson, and many nieces and nephews.

A Mass of the Resurrection will be celebrated at the Abbey Church at 2 p.m. on Wednesday, December 28, 2011. Interment will follow in the monastery cemetery. Friends and neighbors are welcome to join the brothers for the Mass and burial.