Lewis "Lewey" Kruger, 66, Lennox, South Dakota, died Thursday, Aug. 12, 2021, at Sanford USD Medical Center, Sioux Falls, South Dakota, following a short battle with cancer.
A memorial service was Wednesday, Aug. 18, at Central Church in Sioux Falls.
Lewis Lee Kruger was born on Sept. 9, 1954, to Harvey and Carol (Petit) Kruger at Valley Springs, South Dakota. He grew up and attended school in Luverne, Woodstock, Pipestone and Trout Haven, South Dakota, before returning to Luverne. After high school, Lewis earned a degree in heavy equipment operation in South Carolina.
On Sept. 3, 1971, he married Barbara Kafka in Sioux Falls. The couple lived in Luverne, Sioux City, Iowa, Ricketts, Iowa, Beaver Creek, and Sioux Falls before making their home in Lennox for the past 33 years. Lewis began work erecting silos, then as a welder, farmer, garage door installer and general contractor. He then began a 37-year career in diesel mechanics for J & W Diesel and Truck Services, Sioux Falls.
Lewey was a devoted husband and father whose passion was helping family or friends in need. He was a self-taught fixer and inventor of anything that could be constructed or driven. From specialty tools to custom tree houses, go-carts or adult big wheels, he could build it or fix it. He enjoyed woodworking and then painting his projects. He loved camping, travel and motorcycles.
Lewey is survived by his wife, Barb; children Shannon Kruger, Lewis "Rusty" Kruger, both of Springfield, South Dakota, and Amanda Kruger (Tony Barnes) of Harrisburg, South Dakota; seven grandchildren, Skye, Hayden, Payton “Paypay”, Payton, Kaden, Colton and Ethan; great-grandson Kasen; his mother, Carol (Bill) Poppenga, Lennox; siblings Dean (Deb) Kruger, Brandon, Kathy (Charlie) Crow, Lake Crystal, John Kruger, Warsaw, Missouri, Bill (Donna) Kruger, Sioux Falls, Trudy (Dave) Tollefson, Duncan, Florida, and Robbie (Gigi) Moore, Lennox, as well as a host of other relatives and friends.
He was preceded in death by his father, Harvey, and one brother, Paul Kruger.
Arrangements were provided by Dindot-Klusmann Funeral Home of Lennox, dindotklusmann.com.
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