1963-Donald Kruger-2018
Donald “Donnie” Gene Kruger was born on May 23, 1963 in Luverne, Minnesota to Martin and Marie Kruger. He graduated from Adrian High School in 1982. After high school he worked as a carpenter with the family business. In July of 1985, Donnie met Brenda and following a year of courting, Donnie joined Brenda in Alexandria, MN, attendingAlexandria Vocational School to pursue his dream of becoming a Professional Tool and Die Maker. In 1988 Donnie proudly earned his degree as a Tool and Die Maker and was in search of his dream job. Before he could find his dream job, he wanted to marry the love of his life, so on August 5, 1989 Donnie married Brenda at Heron Lake, Minnesota. In December of 1989 Donnie and Brenda moved to Windom. He was employed at Toro as a Tool and Die Maker. Donnie enjoyed his job and he continued his education to become a Tool and Die Journeyman. In 1990 Donnie and Brenda moved to Dundee and bought a starter home. In 1993, his childhood kidney disease reared its ugly head and caused the start of long heath issues. During 1996 Donnie was fortunate to receive a kidney from his brother Richard “Dick” Kruger. In 1997 Donnie helped and encouraged Brenda to pursue her dream of owning her own business. He said “Let’s do it” and today “Brenda’s Gas & Grocery” is a thriving business in Dundee, MN. In 2002, a great blessing came into Donnie and Brenda’s lives: Shantel Ann Kruger was born to a very proud papa, even though the doctors said it should not be. In 2005 Donnie underwent his second kidney transplant. Brenda was a match and gave him a kidney. Though the transplant was a success, continuing to work in the harsh environment was not to be. On December of 2005, Donnie gave up his beloved profession and retired from Toro after 13 years. As life would happen, the kidney began to fail and in 2010 Donnie had to start a path of kidney dialysis. On March 31, 2018 Donnie’s body could fight no more and he went home to be with the LORD.
Donnie left a legacy with everyone he loved and befriended. He was always willing to lend a hand and always offering knowledge that he knew. Donnie enjoyed hunting, fishing, flint knapping, wood carving, wine making, watching TV, and the stock market. He also was very happy to teach his daughter to work hard. He worked with her mowing lawns, teaching her the pride of a good job well done, and that at times work comes first. Of all the many talents he had, he loved most of all his wife of 28 years and their beautiful daughter.
For those that knew Donnie, they know that he was a “tell it like it is man” – he did not sugar coat anything. He gave his loved ones some advice we would like to share with you, ‘get a good education, work hard, have fun, live without regrets’. He also had a favorite saying “You can’t fix stupid.”
Donnie is survived by his wife Brenda, daughter Shantel, “honorary son” Andrew Olsem, mother Marie Kruger, siblings: Cindy (Glen) Lonneman, Richard (Laura) Kruger Julie Kirby, John Kruger; nieces and nephews Kayla Cox, Cody Hoffman, Jacob Kirby, Alison Kirby, James Limmer, Cordell Limmer, and Andelina Limmer; and in-laws Dawn Amundson, and Lisa (Scott) Limmer.
He was preceded in death by his father Martin, brother Tommy, sister Becky, brother Kenny, James and Barbara Amundson, and his grandparents.
In lieu of flowers or external charity organizations, please donate to Shantel’s further education.
A Celebration of Life Visitation will be held on Wednesday from 4:00 –7:00 p.m. with a program starting at 6:00 p.m. at the First Lutheran Church Hall, Dundee, MN.
