John Kugler Obituary, Death McCook, NE – McCook, Nebraska, mourns the loss of John Kugler, a vibrant soul whose adventurous spirit and big heart left an indelible mark on the community. Known for his role as the former launch director for the Solo Spirit and Spirit of Freedom balloon missions, John passed away recently, leaving family, friends, and neighbors heartbroken. Yet, his legacy of courage, kindness, and passion for life continues to soar.
John Kugler lived for adventure. Growing up in Culbertson and later settling in McCook, he embraced the open skies through his love for hot air ballooning. In the late 1970s, his father, Russ, introduced him to the sport, sparking a lifelong passion. By 1993, John was teaching Steve Fossett, who later became the first person to fly solo around the world in a balloon in 2002, with John as a key crew member for all six attempts, including the successful Spirit of Freedom journey.
His expertise and camaraderie earned him respect among balloonists worldwide, from McCook’s Balloon Festival to Albuquerque’s grand events. For instance, he once nearly set a distance record at Albuquerque, only landing near Boston to avoid the Atlantic. Beyond the skies, John’s roots ran deep in McCook. A graduate of McCook High School, he studied at McCook Community College and the University of Denver, grounding his adventurous spirit with a strong education.
As a proud member of the Kugler family, he contributed to their legacy, honored during McCook’s 2015 Heritage Days for their business ventures, including Kugler Co., a fertilizer manufacturer. His love for the community shone through his support for local causes like the McCook Humane Society and the YMCA. Moreover, John’s vibrant personality drew people in. A self-proclaimed “Trump Republican,” he lived boldly, cherishing his wife, Jennifer, and their life together in McCook. His nickname, “Johnny Koogs,” reflected his approachable, larger-than-life character.
Friends like Pete Smith and Kevin Anderjaska shared tributes on social media, calling him a “big guy with a big heart.” Similarly, Prim Gene Vadnais wished him “happy landings,” a nod to his ballooning days. These heartfelt words underscore the love he inspired. In addition, John’s faith and humor shaped his outlook. Known for his playful affection for “the Bunny” and his zest for life in “flyover land,” he found joy in simple moments.
Consequently, his passing has sparked an outpouring of grief, with plans for a community memorial to celebrate his life. For now, McCook holds tight to memories of a man who lived fearlessly. As the community reflects, John’s adventurous spirit challenges everyone to chase their dreams and lift others up. His life proves that even in a small town, one can touch the world. Therefore, while hearts ache, John Kugler’s memory flies high, forever a part of McCook’s sky.
