Jeffrey Raymond Krueger
Jeffrey Raymond Krueger, 76, of Brainerd, passed away on Friday, December 4, 2020 at Essentia Health - St. Joseph’s Medical Center, surrounded by his family. A private celebration of Jeff’s life will be held with treasured family friend Chaplain Steve Schramm officiating. Jeff’s final arrangements have been entrusted to Nelson-Doran Funeral Home.
Jeff was born on February 18, 1944 in Brainerd to Raymond and Alyce (Little) Krueger. He graduated from Brainerd High School in 1963. Jeff proudly served this great country in the United States Army from 1964 to 1967.
On October 30, 1972 in Webster, South Dakota, Jeff married the loved of his life, Doris, and together they began their greatest journey, raising three children.
Jeff is remembered by his wife as a loyal provider, a faithful companion, and her handsome sweet-man.
Dad is remembered by his kids as a loving father who could not cook, but loved to eat, a man who knew how to do absolutely everything, and was not afraid to give you step by step instructions, and as their biggest fan. Oh…and his many “Jeff-isms.”
Papa is remembered by his grandkids for his crazy ideas, for his ability to get into mischief, and for all of his motorized toys that he enjoyed with them.
Jeff loved being outdoors and found his piece of heaven on the lake. He loved to crash “Sista Day,” spend time on the boat, and roast hotdogs on a bonfire. He loved to cruise around his piece of heaven by the lake on his golf cart, enjoying his wife’s beautiful flowers. He was a huge kid at heart and always had the best toys – a motorcycle, snowmobile, jetski, boat, hovercraft, golf cart, and motorized scooter. He also only knew one speed: wide open until you see God, then brake. He never missed an opportunity to get into mischief with his grandkids, or best buddy Jim. He was also a huge animal lover, especially dogs, and is missed greatly by his dog Oliver. Jeff was a huge sports fan and LOVED any time anyone would watch a game with him. He was a very talented woodcrafter, something he proudly passed down to his son. Jeff was a huge prankster who loved to have the last laugh…and the last word. Jeff had many passions, and talents, but nothing brought him greater joy than his family.
Jeff is survived by his loving wife of 48 years, Doris; their children Deb (Dennis) Lasher, Heidi (Ken) Lenk, and Jeff (Penny) Krueger; grandchildren Nikki (Justin) Filas, Dan (Erica) Lasher, Vinny (Randi) Lasher, Kaylee (Mitch) Hess, Clayton (Sam) Lenk, Rick (Tristan) Krueger, Mat Krueger, Zach Krueger and Lea Krueger; great-grandchildren, Parker, Ryder, Hadley, and baby girl Filas, Truett and Austin Lasher, Evelyn and Amelia Hess, Clara and Della Lenk; his siblings John (Beth) Krueger, Mary (Brian) Renberg, Caralyn (Tim) Mayo, and Jean (David) Branum; his in-laws Randy (Suzie) Dague, Gary (Ellen) Council, Pat (Sheryl) Council, and Carol Hodgden; and boatloads of nieces and nephews. He is also survived by his best man and trusty sidekick, Jim Goedderz.
Jeff is preceded in death by his Grandma Gert, his parents, Grandma Mary, and a great-grandson Nicholas Chase Lasher.
In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to the Brainerd Chapter Fraternal Order of Police, Lodge 11, which can be sent to: FOP Lodge 11 PO Box 797, Pequot Lakes, MN 56472
It is a sure bet that Jeff was an amazing man that loved with his whole heart and will never be forgotten.