Phil E. Krueger obit

Phillip E. Krueger

June 22, 1951  -  February 9, 2026 

He was not on the list.

On February 9, 2026, Phillip E. Krueger, beloved husband, father, grandfather, and friend, left his earthly home after sustaining injuries from a fall at his home in Freetown, Indiana. Born June 22, 1951, in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, to Joyce Lewis Coates and Phillip Drake Krueger. Phil lived a life defined by courage, determination, and an unwavering spirit. He became an Indiana Organ Donor hero, continuing his legacy of giving even in his last moments.

Phil’s tenacity knew no bounds—sometimes driving us all a little crazy but always inspiring those around him. His resilience carried him through life-changing injuries and a stroke in August 2023. Phil’s faith was the cornerstone of his life. After reading Out of the Silent Planet by C.S. Lewis, he accepted Jesus Christ as his Savior, igniting a lifelong passion for studying God’s word. He attended Bible Study Fellowship classes for over 20 years. He cherished his church families at Nashville Christian Church and Becks Grove Christian Church, and they cared deeply for him in return. Phil's church singing reflected his faith, and fellow worshippers will recall his singing. We are confident he is now in the presence of Jesus.

Phil had a passion for auto racing that began in childhood. As Phil's family attended horse shows at the Milwaukee Fairgrounds, he found himself captivated by the roar of race engines coming from the Milwaukee Speedway. When his family moved to southern California at age 15, his love for racing only grew. His racing career began with Endurance Karts at seventeen. He later raced in Formula Super Vee, Formula Ford, and IMSA series. In the early 1980s, Phil focused on Indy cars and quickly became known for seizing every opportunity. He developed his skills in racing car maintenance to pursue his ambition of competing in the Indianapolis 500, which he accomplished by qualifying in both 1986 and 1988. His Indy car career ended in 1989 after a horrific accident at the Michigan 500. Phil was a successful mechanic, chief mechanic, and team manager of Indy cars, earning the Clint Brawner Mechanical Excellence Award from the Indianapolis Motor Speedway in 1988

Phil was a licensed A & P mechanic. He maintained his cherished 1941 Luscombe and built a WWI SE5a biplane from Royal Aircraft blueprints—a testament to his craftsmanship. He volunteered with the USO at Camp Atterbury and Clarity of Central Indiana for over a decade, earning the Volunteer of the Year award from Clarity in 2023. Phil deeply valued serving soldiers, having never had the chance to serve in the military himself.

In retirement, Phil found peace walking the trails he maintained in his Brown County woods, savoring morning coffee in his gazebo, and traveling on cruises.

But what made Phil truly unforgettable were the little things—his quirks and the joy he brought to everyday life. Phil wore shorts year-round, no matter how cold it was outside, insisting that “it’s never too cold for shorts.” He delighted in playing with his grandkids, making them laugh with “Papa” delight. There are countless memories that were just Phil: his stubborn optimism, his eagerness to modify any type of item, his knack for making everyone feel special.

Phil is survived by his wife of 41 years, Cynthia (Cindy) Carmichael Krueger, sons Ilya and Eric, brother Jeffrey, his sister Kacie, daughter-in-law Jamie, grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and the extended Carmichael family. He loved to wear his Carmichael tartan and looked pretty fashionable wearing his kilt. A service celebrating his life will take place at 2:00 PM on February 28, 2026, at Nashville Christian Church. If you wish to honor Phil with a donation, his favorite nonprofits were his churches, Samaritan’s Purse, Tunnel to Towers, and Mission Resource International.

Services were entrusted to Barkes, Weaver and Glick Funeral Home.  Online condolences and special memories may be shared with the Krueger family at barkesweaverglick.com. 

He raced in nine seasons (1981–1986, 1988–1989, and 1991), with 23 career starts, including the 1986 and 1988 Indianapolis 500. He finished in the top ten three times, with a best finish of 5th position at the 1988 Michigan 500.

Krueger endured three hard crashes in his open-wheel racing career that left him critically injured: during practice for the 1981 Indianapolis 500, and again in 1984 and 1989, both at the Michigan 500. He would return to racing after every incident.

In 1988, Krueger won the Clint Brawner Mechanical Excellence Award presented annually to the Indianapolis 500 chief mechanic who exemplifies "mechanical and scientific creativity, ingenuity, perseverance, dedication, enthusiasm and expertise". Driving for R. Kent Baker Racing, he essentially served as his own chief mechanic. He qualified a two-year old March 86C-Cosworth in 15th starting position, and finished 8th on race day.