Trappist Brother Gregory Krug dies at 92

MONCKS CORNER—Trappist Brother Gregory Krug, one of the founding monks of Mepkin Abbey, died Dec. 23 at the Abbey. He was, 92.

The funeral Mass and burial was held Dec. 28 at the abbey.

He was born May 30, 1919, the son of George F. and Casilda Kramer Krug in Detroit, Mich. He attended Loyola University in Los Angeles from 1937- 1941, and majored in engineering. He joined the Army in 1943, where he served as an aerial photograph interpreter in Central Burma and India. He 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 in 1946.

Brother Gregory entered the Abbey of Gethsemani in Trappist, Ky., in 1948, and became a novice. He moved to Moncks Corner to help found Mepkin Abbey in 1949 and made his Simple Vows the next year. He took his Solemn Vows on Aug. 15, 1953. From 1949 through the mid 1990s, Brother Gregory was the abbey infirmarian. He took care of the monks during illnesses and disabilities. He was known for his kindness to each of those who came to him, especially patient with the aged. With his brother monks, 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 sight. It remained his constant companion to the day he died.

Brother Gregory is survived by a sister, Mary Erlandson, and many nieces and nephews.