With the passing in September of longtime Episcopal Retirement Services supporter Michael C. Krug, ERS is reemphasizing the name of the popular event center at its Marjorie P. Lee retirement community in Hyde Park as the Krug Event Center.

Mike and Kathy Krug stand out for their generous contributions and volunteer work that helped Episcopal Retirement Homes, which later became Episcopal Retirement Services, evolve into what it is today, said Joy Blang, ERS’ executive director of philanthropy.

Philanthropists Kathy and Mike Krug are the longtime volunteers, supporters and donors to Episcopal Retirement Services.

Longtime friends of ERS

“When I think of people who have been involved with our organization for an extremely long period of time, over our history, they’re near the top of the list,” Joy said. “Not many people go back as many decades in their affiliation and connection, and service, and commitment to ERS as Mike and Kathy Krug have.”

Among other things, Mike played a key role in the successful capital campaign that supported Marjorie P. Lee’s comprehensive 2018 renovation.

Their connection with ERS began when Mike’s grandmother, Bess Cavey needed a place to live, and Mike, as her only relative living nearby (his parents were deceased), worked with her to find Marjorie P. Lee.

She was delighted by the campus, which she moved into at age 88. When she was 96, she told Mike: “I never expected to make another best friend.”

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The Krug Event Center on the Marjorie P. Lee retirement campus in Hyde Park

Echoes of love through the years

Mike remembered that comment through the years as he helped the organization, including as a member of the ERH Board, and eventually its chairman. He also later joined ERS’ Foundation Board.

Kathy, meanwhile, who knew Mike since seventh grade, was a dedicated volunteer, particularly with the Deupree Meals On Wheels program. She has two aunts who have lived at Marjorie P. Lee, and moved into Deupree House with Mike in late 2021.

“I love it” at Deupree, Kathy said. “And I'm so thankful I was here during Mike’s illness. I couldn't have survived in the condo with no help.”

Mike spent his final days in the care of the Deupree Cottages on the Deupree House campus.

Deupree House staff and fellow residents have been quite kind and supportive, she said.

A courtyard at Deupree Cottages

The endearment continues

At Marjorie P. Lee, the Krug Event Center hosts a wealth of activities, including exercise classes, cultural events, educational presentations, visits by Penguins from the Newport Aquarium, Tai Chi, chorus rehearsals, feature films and documentaries, history presentations, and BINGO.

“As a volunteer leader, Mike was instrumental for years in many important steps as we as we grew and evolved as an organization,” Joy said. “And Kathy has been a steadfast friend and volunteer.”

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Meanwhile, here's how to tour our premier retirement communities:

• To schedule a tour of Deupree House in Hyde Park, contact Karen Immell at (513) 561-4200 or kimmell@erslife.org. 
• To tour Marjorie P. Lee in Hyde Park, contact Jennifer Schlotbom at 513-533-5000 or jschlotbom@erslife.org.
• To tour Episcopal Church Home in Louisville, contact Gry Seymour at (502) 396-8987 or by email at gseymour@erslife.org.