Kurt V. Krueger, Ph.D., a pioneering forensic economist, passed away on Wednesday, May 3, 2023 at Saint Luke’s Hospice House in Kansas City, Missouri, at the age of 60. Kurt was born on May 27, 1962 in Wellington, Kansas, to parents Charles Robert and Patricia Louise (Pennington) Krueger. He is preceded in death by his parents, and wife Angela (Seager) Krueger who he married on October 13, 1996 in Beaver Creek, Colorado.
For over three decades, Kurt made significant contributions to the field of forensic economics through his research, publications, and dedicated service. As a trusted mentor and colleague, his impact will be felt by many for years to come.
Kurt's impressive career began at John Ward Economics (JWE), where he worked alongside John O. Ward, Ph.D. for 33 years. During his tenure, he was instrumental in organizing the Journal of Forensic Economics and serving as its managing editor since 2009. Kurt's leadership extended to the National Association of Forensic Economics (NAFE) earning the NAFE Past Presidents’ Award for Outstanding Service to the Association in 2001. He then served as president of NAFE from 2013 to 2014.
A staunch advocate for the advancement of forensic economics, Kurt developed forecasting models that are now widely used within the field. Perhaps his most significant contribution was the creation of Expectancy Data, the publishing division of JWE, which continues to influence the work of forensic economists and vocational experts nationwide through it’s publications The Dollar Value of a Day, Healthy Life Expectancy, and Full-time Earnings in the United States.
Kurt's expertise led to the development of Markov transition models for work-life expectancies. He was highly regarded as a teacher and mentor, and earned the Ward-Piette Outstanding Publication Award 2018. His collaborative work with economists at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention resulted in the development of healthy life expectancy tables.
Throughout his career, Kurt authored numerous forensic economic loss reports and was involved in countless litigation matters, providing invaluable support to individuals and businesses alike. His memory will live on through the many articles and publications that he authored.
Kurt Krueger's dedication to the field of forensic economics has left an indelible mark on the profession.
Kurt loved everything KU, especially KU basketball. He also enjoyed golf, the Royals, Chiefs, horse racing and sailing in his younger years. Kurt (aka “TLC,” The Lone Cowboy), had a love for Westerns and old TV shows, such as Bonanza and the Andy Griffith Show. He also enjoyed watching The Price is Right, Wheel of Fortune and Jeopardy. There wasn’t a film he hadn’t watched (multiple times) on Turner Classic Movies. He was known to have a Mint Julep while watching the Kentucky Derby every year, and always bet on the ponies with pink silks in memory of his wife Angela (“but no gray horses,” Kurt would say). Kurt and Angela were foster parents to several children, and were the ultimate dog parents to Cocker Spaniels Annabelle, Molly, Chester, Dudley, Labrador Katy, and Yorkie Zuzu, throughout the years. Kurt loved gazing out upon the pond in his backyard and observing the many birds who came to his bird feeders. He called the birds “his customers,” and relished the varieties who stopped by for a meal. Kurt’s love for westerns was only surpassed by his love for bluegrass, jazz, folk, country, classic rock and other music genres. Music filled his home on a regular basis and gave him hours of enjoyment.
Kurt is also known for a larger than life stature, kindness, generosity, witty nature, and a heart of gold. He was often called Cliff Clavin at the office sharing his knowledge of a wide variety of subjects, and he enjoyed a good inner office prank. Kurt was always interested in technology, kitchen gadgets and sought innovative ways to make his life easier. He loved his family, his home, friends across the country and neighbors in spectacular ways.
Kurt is survived by his sisters, Karen Stockton of Lenexa, KS; Kimberly Krueger (Donna) of Olathe, KS; Kathleen Downing (Greg) of Overland Park, KS; nieces and nephew, Janna Freeman (Dennis) of Shawnee, KS; Vicki Bartholomew (Brian) of Prairie Village, KS; Bryan Stockton (Kate) of Columbia, MO; and great-nieces and nephews Mackenzie Loeb, Grace Freeman, Alice Freeman, Noah Loeb and Easton Bartholomew.
He will be dearly missed by his family, friends, neighbors, colleagues, and all who had the pleasure of meeting, working with, knowing and talking to him.
A “Celebration of Life” will be held on Saturday, June 24, 1pm, at Grace Covenant Presbyterian Church, 11100 College Blvd., Overland Park, Kansas 66210. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Kurt’s memory to FosterAdopt Connect, 18600 E. 37th Terr., Independence, MO 64057, fosteradopt.org; and Imagine Furever Ranch, 20720 West 47th St., Shawnee, KS 66218, imaginefureverranch.org. The family would like to thank everyone for reaching out to us with your kind words and stories about Kurt. They are richly appreciated and reflect the vast influence and impact that will be a part of his legacy.
