Ronald Paul Krueger, the third-generation president and CEO of Wehrenberg Theatres, died Wednesday (Oct. 21, 2015) of congestive heart failure at St. Clare Hospital. He was 75.

We knew him as Ron—sweet and unassuming—regardless of his business prowess and success. Ron truly always had a kind word and a magnanimous smile. He was a kind man in so many ways, so people have always said in conversation, but we knew him as a true friend to MoCHIP, donating both money and resources for the last 9 years.

A member of Noble Lodge #684, among his many Masonic affiliations, Ron became interested in the new program his Masonic Grand Lodge had begun to help safeguard children who become missing or abducted. He invited his friend and brother, Nick Cichielo, MoCHIP State Coordinator, to meet with him and discuss MoCHIP. Ron was so pleased with the MoCHIP child ID program and the good his brothers were doing. He learned that the program, still so new, was reaching roughly 12,000 children. He wanted to help. How could MoCHIP reach more children? Nick Cichielo told him that MoCHIP was in need of equipment. Ron didn’t hesitate and donated enough funds to buy first one set of equipment and then a second, helping MoCHIP grow significantly, doubling the amount children ID’d throughout Missouri the very first year.

In addition to Ron Krueger’s generous endowment, Ron has graciously volunteered the use of Weherenberg Theatres to hold MoCHIP Child ID events in lobbies throughout Missouri over the last 9 years. Ronnie’s, his flagship Theatre, continues to run MoCHIP events 5 times a year and coordinates these events to be held along with the debut of new children films.

Always a friend to MoCHIP, Ron was very proud to be an honorary MoCHIP Team Member and attended events when he was able.

He will be missed.

Thank you, Ron—for everything.