Robert Krueger

Robert Krueger Jr. was born December 19, 1933 in Leaf Valley Township, MN, the son of Robert and Lydia (Zastrow) Krueger Sr. He attended several country schools, as his family moved around the Leaf Valley and Garfield areas, until he completed 8th grade at District 28 in Leaf Valley Township. He grew up working the farm for his dad and helping his mom with chores. He was baptized and confirmed at Ebenezer Lutheran Church in Leaf Valley. He joined the Army January 20, 1954 and served on the ship USNS General Edwin D. Patrick on as Private Robert Krueger Jr. He was discharged on December 31st, 1961 as Private First Class (E-3) Robert Krueger Jr. Robert always said that he was known on the ship as ?the man with the iron stomach? as he was the only one who did not suffer sea -sickness during a storm. After the Army, Robert found his peace while working in the potato fields of Minnesota and North Dakota. He loved worked the land and was very proud of his precise rows of potatoes. He carried that pride over to his many gardens he planted year after year. He worked for the Nelson Creamery Association after he bought his first house in Nelson, MN. He told many stories about the 100?s of milk cans he dumped for local farmers. Robert met his forever partner while working at Bellanca Aircraft in Alexandria, MN. Eileen Eckman and Robert Krueger Jr. were married on June 27, 1969 at Union Corners Church in rural Deer Creek by Mrs. Clarabel Fish. Robert and Eileen were blessed with two children, Sandra Kay in 1976 and Timothy Dale in 1977. He was a devoted husband and father and made sure that his family was well taken care of. During his married life he worked in various places such as, Creative Cabinets, Collins Construction, and Juno Manufacturing. He was a carpenter at heart and spent many evenings and weekends creating hand made picture frames, cabinets, hope chests, lamps (made from popsicle sticks) and shelves. While he was growing up he created many farm implements with scraps of wood and small nails. His most prized creation was a hand-made barn he made for Tim, complete with stanchions and a hayloft ladder. Robert was known to always be tinkering on something outside. He planted gardens and flower beds, he mowed his lawn twice a week and pulled every weed he could find. He was a dedicated member of his church, Our Saviour?s Lutheran of Nelson. He spent many years mowing the church lawn, pulling weeds, shoveling snow, and ushering. When he wasn?t outside working, he could be found playing old country music and hymns on his guitar or his harmonica for his family. He found solace in casting a line off of Lake Victoria on the bridge or off the pier to catch ?those good sunnies?. His favorite meal was a fresh batch of sunnies fried up. He also enjoyed ?Chet?s Chicken? whenever he got the chance. Robert enjoyed playing with his grandchildren when they came along. He had a special place in his heart for each of his grandchildren and any ?adopted? grandchildren that came in and out of his life. All children were gifts from God. He will be dearly missed by Samantha Tyler Krueger, Grace Lydia Karl, Johnathyn Dean Karl, Gavin Christopher Krueger, and Dakotah Gifford. On March 4, 2014 Robert went to join his wife in Heaven with Jesus at the age of eighty years. He was preceded in death by his parents, Lydia and Robert Krueger Sr., his wife, Eileen Krueger, and three sisters, Gloria Jensen, Yvonne Krueger, and Caroline Affeldt and one niece, Pamela Jensen. He is survived by his children, Sandra Kay Karl and husband, Jason John Karl of Nelson, Timothy Dale Krueger and special friend, Keisha Gifford of Nelson; brother, Dennis Krueger and wife Marilyn, of California; sisters, Iona Kreft of Alexandria and Genevieve Huss and husband, Wendell of Delano, MN; family friend, Keith Dean Davis; his family at Salmons Place Senior Care; many cherished extended family and friends; and many nieces and nephews. A visitation was held at Anderson?s Funeral Home with a Hymn sing in honor of Robert?s love of music. The funeral was held at Fahlun Lutheran Church in Nelson, MN with Reverend Jeremy Pederson officiating. Interment followed at Fahlun Lutheran Cemetery in Nelson, MN. Casket bearers were his nephews and friends. Memorials are preferred to Our Saviour?s Lutheran Church Building Fund. Arrangements are with the Anderson Funeral Home in Alexandria. www.andersonfuneral.net