Michael "Mike" Kruger

MICHAEL “MIKE” DARWIN KRUGER was born on February 24, 1957 to Darwin William and Norma Jean (Nelson) Kruger in Portsmouth, Virginia. As a young child his family moved numerous times because his father was in the United States Navy. In 1968, the family moved to Jackson, Minnesota while Mike’s father went to school. In 1969, they moved to Bird Island, Minnesota; while living there Darwin died in 1970 as the result of a workplace accident. Norma and her children then moved back to Jackson, Minnesota where Mike was confirmed on May 7, 1972 at Our Redeemer Lutheran Church. Mike attended Jackson High School, graduating in 1975. Mike was united in marriage to Roberta “Bobbi” Ann Lutterman at Good Shepherd Catholic Church in Jackson. After their marriage, they made their home in Jackson until 1982 when they moved to Ponca City and then Newkirk, Oklahoma. While there, Mike worked construction and their marriage was blessed with two sons. In 1987, the family moved to Pipestone, Minnesota where they were blessed with a daughter. Mike drove truck for many years, long haul, short trips, you name it, he hauled it. Throughout his years he had been to 49 states. After Bobbi’s death in 2016, he drove for a few more months and then retired in September that year. He continued to work part time for Jerry Ellefson as a driver and enjoyed the flexibility the job offered him. Mike was doing what he was passionate about and, on Friday, August 27, 2021, died as the result of a motorcycle accident near Keystone, South Dakota at the age of 64 years, six months, and three days.

Mike loved the outdoors and spending time there; especially going on numerous motorcycle trips with his best friend and soulmate, Bobbi. He loved his family and friends and being with them. He was the tinkerer when it came to vehicles and was the go-to person when you needed your oil changed or some other repair. He was particular about the way he did things and he would always tell you why he was doing it that way. He was a talker, many times spending an hour or two running an errand that should have taken 15 minutes to accomplish. His kids heard him say, “I was born at night, but I wasn’t born last night” more times than they could count. He was deeply loved and he will be sorely missed.

He is lovingly remembered by his three children, Patrick (Chastity Kolander) Kruger of Pipestone; Lucas (Megan Tadesse) Kruger of Jasper, Minnesota, and Holly (Tommy Church) Kruger of Edgerton, Minnesota; eight grandchildren, Marley, Maverick, Milo, Malakai, Owen, Case, Knox, and Michelle; his mother, Norma Najt of Pipestone, Minnesota; three siblings, Lynette Buntenbach of Pipestone, Bruce (Twila) Kruger of Sioux Falls, South Dakota, and Lance (Kim) Kruger of Tacoma, Washington He was preceded in death by his wife, Bobbi; his father, Darwin Kruger; his step-father, Jim Najt; his father- and mother-in-law, Bernard and Ann Lutterman; and his brother-in-law, Bernard, Jr.

*******In remembrance of Mike’s love of riding motorcycles, please ride yours in procession to Diamond Lake Cemetery if able.*********