Jack Kenneth Krueger, age 87 of Columbus, passed on to heaven on August 18, 2012. He passed away at home with his family lovingly surrounding him.
Jack was born in Reed Point, MT on September 5, 1924; the son of Harry D. and Mildred (Norris) Krueger. He attended school through the eighth grade at Countryman Creek School. Jack graduated from Columbus High School in 1942. Following his schooling in 1943, he enlisted in the United States Navy in the submarine division. He was honorably discharged in 1946. Jack then moved to California to attend school, there he married Mary Heily on December 12, 1947. Shortly after their marriage, they returned to Columbus, Montana. In 1950, they purchased a ranch south of Columbus where they have ranched and lived since.
Jack was a member of the School Board, Soil & Water Conservation, President of the Ditch Company, Flying Farmers District, American Legion, Jaycee’s and was a 4-H President for years. Jack’s church was in the hills on his ranch.
Jack is survived by his two sons: Jack Krueger and his wife Kimberley of Columbus, MT; Paul Krueger and his wife Carol of Miles City, MT; a son-in-law Phil Cox of Billings, MT; a brother Wayne Krueger of Reed Point, MT; two sisters: Sharlyn Grande of Los Angeles, CA; and Virginia Goodenough of Las Angeles, CA; nine grandchildren, eight great grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his wife Mary, a daughter Karen Cox, a son David Krueger; two brothers: Beryl and Harry; and two sisters: Merriam & Donna.
At Jack’s request, cremation has taken place and no services are planned. Private family scattering of ashes will take place on the Krueger Ranch. Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home of Miles City has been entrusted with the arrangements. Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting: www.stevensonandsons.com.
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Denise Oberlander Harvey says
Paul, Carol, and family,
My thoughts and prayers are with you in the loss of your father. May cherished memories give you comfort.
Barb (Brensdal) & Corky Kem says
Krueger family ~ Corky and I send our deepest sympathies on the loss of your father. May all the good times be remembered and keep you in comfort.
Cindy Milligan says
Dear Krueger Families, Not much can be said about Jack that you all aren’t well aware of. Laugh out loud (LOL). For me it is all good. I have always been welcome and have always felt like a part of this wonderful family. Jack always had a smile whenever I saw him and of course was always asking how “Willy was!”. I looked forward to the brandings ever year with the work, fun, laughs, food and the family that never ended. This was one of the best times. You have all meant so much to me and I am blessed to have you in my life. Your dad will be greatly missed, but the memories shared will live on forever. I am thinking about all of you. I will miss Jack, his smile, his laugh and his joking around. Love to all of you Cindy Lou
John P Rouane Jr says
To all the Krueger Families, Jack and Mary were the best watching out for Mom and Dad when they were neighbors. We go way back and have a lot of memories as neighbors on Shane Creek. Many of the days were riding the bus and growing up with the Krueger family. It was nice to spend some time with both of them at the ranch with my sisters just seems like a short time ago. We will be keeping you all in our thoughts and prayers.
John & Gerri Rouane
Bill (Willy) Milligan says
I will never forget to be late to one of Kruegers brandings….after arriving as the last calf was being branded….I was rolled in manure until ripe. All the kids had a hand in it but we know who instigated it ! At least Jack said first “Did you bring an extra set of clothes?” Not for my benefit, i’m sure, but for those i would be around at lunch time! Fun times, great family…never would have happened if a young Jack Krueger hadn’t spotted that sweet young girl walking along highway 78 that day. Thank you for the memories….and all the best to the rest of you.
Tim and Cheri Hafla says
Our deepest sympathy in the loss of your loved one.. God bless..
Linda Polich says
Paul, Carol and family,
My thoughts and prayers are with you. Take good care of each other!
Linda
Steve Thaut says
I knew Jack for a bit more than 30 yrs. Will always remember his quick wit and great sense of humor….and a LOT of interesting stories! Always appreciated his continued kindness to our family over the years. Jack and Mary were just great people.
God Bless you folks, Steve Thaut and family.
Jan Cline says
Dear Krueger Families,
It seems so hard to believe that Jack is gone. I will never forget either him or Mary. I started coming out to the ranch with Phil when I was a little girl. I always felt like I was part of the family. Jack used to tease me like crazy. One of my fondest memories is when we went for a ride in the hills and Jack and I were walking around. Jack told me the names of all the wildflowers. Branding time was so much fun, even though, being a city girl, I felt sorry for the calves. I loved sitting next to Jack at holiday dinners and we would throw food in each other’s drinks. Later, we would play cards, which I always enjoyed. Jack always had a twinkle in his eye. The sweetest thing Jack ever said to me was after Karen passed away… when I was talking to Jack, he said I was like a sister to Karen. I always felt that way and for him to say that meant the world. I called him “Pa” after that. I saw the soft side of Jack so many times. Like I told Phil, I feel like it’s the end of an era. Curt and I send our deepest condolences to the entire family. You are all in our thoughts and prayers. Love you all.
Jan and Curt
Jan Lindemulder says
I just heard the news and was vary sad to learn that Jack is gone. Jack always made me feel special. Even as he teased me about being a city girl, I could always count on him to show me the right way to do things. I started calling him Old Man from the start and it always got a smile. My Mom and Dave use to go play cards with Jack and Mom (Darlene Smith) would come home laughing about those Kruegers! I enjoyed meals with Jack and Mary at Golden Corral many times over the years, and loved their company and watching their love for each other. There are few men like Jack left, a true gentleman who was full of good humor. I feel Blessed to have known him.Jan Lindemulder & Darlene Smith Prayers for Paul and the Familys
Ralph Davis says
Many excellent childhood memories at the ranch