David Lee Kruger, 76, Steen, died Wednesday, Jan. 11, 2023, at the Sanford Luverne Hospital.
A funeral service was at 10:30 a.m. Monday, Jan. 16, at the United Methodist Church in Luverne. Burial followed at Maplewood Cemetery in Luverne.
David Kruger was born on July 20, 1946, to Martin and Elizabeth (Giesen) Kruger in Luverne. He grew up in Ash Creek, attending public school in Ash Creek, Adrian, Hills and Luverne.
He married Linda Wallace on May 28, 1966, in Luverne. After their marriage they moved into Luverne for a short time before moving back to Ash Creek, where they raised their four children. David was confirmed and baptized at the Luverne Assembly of God church on Dec. 5, 1976. He lived for a short time in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, before moving to Steen. David worked for Hanson Silo for 20 years and then Hills Stainless Steel for 23 years, retiring in 2010.
David was known as “Quicksilver” and “Mayor of Ash Creek.” He will be remembered for his love of racing. He won many races and track championships. He was inducted into the Huset’s Hall of Fame in 2012. On his 60th birthday he won an A feature while driving Pete Kracht’s car.
David was always willing to help anyone who needed it and enjoyed fixing things. He was a kind, friendly, loving person. He spent many hours playing bean bags, both in the backyard and playing in tournaments throughout area towns. He enjoyed spending time with his grandkids, giving rides on the four-wheeler or moped and making them ice cream cones. He enjoyed attending auction sales, tinkering, and cutting down trees to split into wood. He loved being outdoors.
David is survived by his children, Wayne (Amy) Kruger of Ash Creek, Scott Kruger of Ash Creek, Mark (Kristi Demuth) Kruger of Steen, and Angie (Bob) Westrum of Steen; stepchildren Kelly (Jarod) Tuntland of Canton, South Dakota, and Kasey (Steffanie) Hall of Lennox, South Dakota; grandchildren Dylan Kruger, Justine (Andrew) Miller, Megan (Jake) Schueller, Courtney Kruger, Wyatt Westrum, Ethan Kruger, Jack Kruger, Addison Westrum, Claire Kruger, Sam Kruger, Grayson Tuntland and Kendall Middlen; great-grandchildren, Oaklyn and Ivy Miller; and special friend, Judy Middlen of Sioux Falls, South Dakota.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Linda; his parents; a brother, Melvin Kruger; and sisters Alberta Kremin and Viola Swenson.
Arrangements were provided by Hartquist Funeral Home of Luverne, hartquistfuneral.com.
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