Elmer "Knute" Kruger, 77, Luverne, died Saturday, Feb. 19, 2005, at Luverne Community Hospital. Services were Thursday, Feb. 24, at American Reformed Church in Luverne. The Rev. David Sikkema officiated. Burial was in Maplewood Cemetery. Elmer Kruger was born to William and Ida (Hendricks) Kruger on Dec. 6, 1927, in Lyon County, Iowa. He attended country school. He married Maxine Graphenteen on June 6, 1946, at the First Baptist Church parsonage. After their marriage the couple lived in Luverne. In 1968 they moved to the farm southwest of Luverne. He worked at Hanson Silo in Luverne for more than 30 years before retiring in 1982. He later helped his son, Don, with his sandblasting business. Mr. Kruger was a member of Luverne Eagles Club and the Rock River Wranglers. He enjoyed billiards and raising and riding horses. Survivors include five children, JoAnne "Puddy" (Jack) Maras, Denny (Rita) Kruger, Donnie (Deb) Kruger, and Sheri (Robin) Stratton, all of Luverne, and Daniel "Sam" (Deb) Kruger, Beaver Creek; 15 grandchildren; 11 great-grandchildren; and one sister, Anna Harms, Ellsworth. Mr. Kruger was preceded in death by his parents, his wife, Maxine, on Feb. 27, 1995, an infant son, Dean, a daughter, Diane Kunkel, in 2003, and a grandson, Travis, in June 1988. Dingmann Funeral Home, Luverne, was in charge of arrangements.