Paul K Krueger passed away on Monday, July 17, 2023, after a short and courageous battle with cancer. His last days were spent surrounded by his family in Phoenix, Arizona. Growing up, his daughters called him Superman because in their eyes, there was nothing he couldn’t do or fix. Paul was a jokester, a teaser; he was honorable, kind and smart. When he smiled, he had the most amazing “Krueger twinkle” in his eye and if you made him mad, well, you saw that in his eyes too.
Paul was born in Billings, MT, on February 1, 1953, to Jack Kenneth and Elizabeth Mary (Heily) Krueger. He spent his childhood growing up on Shane Creek at the family ranch in Columbus with his siblings Karen, Jack Jr. and David. He attended Columbus Elementary as a child and graduated from Columbus High School in 1971 where he excelled at track.
In the summer of 1970 at the Columbus pool, Paul met the love of his life, Carol Hanson, who had just recently moved to town. He never stopped taking care of her from that moment on. He reminded us just a few days before he passed that he fell in love with her the moment he saw her. They were truly soulmates and best friends, and gave so many of us a relationship to strive for.
He attended Eastern Montana College in Billings on a track scholarship, graduating in 1976. Paul and Carol were wed in Columbus on December 18, 1976, and would be celebrating their 47th wedding anniversary this year. After graduating from Eastern he worked as a store manager for Super America in Billings, before finding his dream career as financial advisor for Edward Jones in 1980, which took him and Carol to the place they would raise their family, Miles City. He continued his career with Edward Jones for over 43 years until his recent retirement in 2019.
In Miles City, Paul and Carol raised their three children Kari (1979), Katie (1981) and Kasey (1985). Paul loved his kids and did everything he could to support and encourage them. He coached all their sports, attended every game/meet and was always their biggest supporter. He was their sounding board and their go-to for advice and guidance on basically everything. Always encouraging them to be the best versions of themselves, Paul taught them that you should never settle for average.
Paul was involved in a number of organizations and clubs in Miles City. He was an active member of the Country Club, serving two terms as President; he was also involved in Kiwanis and the Elks. He delivered Meals on Wheels with good friends Bus Beals and Scott Tally. He sometimes enjoyed “moving a piano” on Friday afternoons with Bus and John Clark.
Paul loved to travel, and he and Carol were lucky enough to explore the world. From African safaris to a cruise down the Amazon River, nothing was too adventurous for Paul. Their most recent trip was a European River Cruise in May with their good friends and travel buddies Ray and Terri Schmidt.
Paul’s favorite place to spend his days since 2004 was their cabin on Holter Lake. There he and Carol spent spring through fall growing their garden and spending time with their kids, grandkids and constant stream of friends coming to visit. He loved to take the kids fishing, for rides on the tube, hikes up the mountain or enjoy s’mores by the fire with them. Each year they hosted their Krueger family for a 4th of July celebration with 30+ nieces, nephews and cousins coming from all over the world, enjoying Paul’s generous hospitality and family games.
Paul was preceded in death by his parents, Jack and Mary Krueger; sister, Karen Krueger Cox; brother, David Krueger; mother-in-law, Marilyn Hanson; and sister-in-law Donna Hanson. Paul leaves behind his loving spouse, Carol; daughters, Kari Cline (Fred) and Katie Moriarty (Max); son, Kasey Krueger (Kacye); grandkids Ellie, Cayden, Kye, Henry, Declan, Quinn, Carys, Kollins and Quill; brother, Jack Krueger (Kim); father-in-law, Roger Hanson; sister-in-law, Connie Henry (Rick); brothers-in-law, Terry Hanson (Renee) and Marty Hanson; and numerous nieces and nephews.
A Celebration of Paul’s life will be held at Grace Bible Church in Miles City on Friday, August 4th at 2:00 pm. Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting: www.stevensonandsons.com.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Sherman Home Hospice of the Valley in Phoenix, Arizona, or the charity of one’s choice.
Service Schedule
Celebration of Life
2:00 p.m.
Friday August 4, 2023
Grace Bible Church
3505 Stower Street
Miles City, Montana 59301
Service Schedule
Celebration of Life
2:00 p.m.
Friday August 4, 2023
Grace Bible Church
3505 Stower Street
Miles City, Montana 59301
Jim & Cathy Bastian says
We are so sorry! You are in our thoughts and prayers.
Arlene Corbin says
My heart breaks for all of you. Such a wonderful friend.
Jack and Caroline Fleming says
Our condolences to all of Paul’s family. You are all in our prayers
Carolyn Kimball says
Carol and family, so very sorry for this devastating loss. Prayers of peace for the days ahead.
Denise Harvey says
Our thoughts and prayers are with you all! May you find comfort in cherished memories in the days ahead.
Denise and Jay Harvey
Beth Ann Wiedeman says
Reaching out to extend sympathy for the loss of Paul. May your memories and love help with your grief.
Butch & cathe Smith says
So very sorry for your loss. Such a wonderful person we have all lost. He was one of the best. Our thoughts are with you’re family.
Jon @ Becky Bass says
Oh Carol and family Iam so sorry for your loss. What a great person and a beautiful wife. Hugs to you Carol your in my prayers!!!!
Ken and Joyce Holmlund says
Carol and family- Our thoughts are with you all! Paul was a wonderful person and will be missed by many! Hold on to the good memories and God bless you all!🙏🙏🙏
Eileen Entzel says
Carol, Kasey and family
So sorry to hear about your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you
Jerry and Gayle Struck says
We are shocked to hear of Paul’s untimely passing.Our thoughts are with the family.
He will be remembered dearly as one of the good guys!
Marc Hartse says
I am so, so sorry to hear about this. Paul was a fixture around SuperAmerica and Holiday when I worked there with John Clark who also recently passed away. I have to say this blind sided me. My condolences to the entire family. I will miss Paul’s presence, always good humor, always a friendly smile.
Muriel Selk says
So sorry for your loss. Such a professional man. Enjoyed working with him when I worked at Stallard & Associates.
Always had a smile. Will keep you in my prayers as you navigate this time. God has you in his arms. Paul will brighten Heaven as he too watches over you.
Sheila Hansen says
So sorry for your family. Thoughts and prayers to you all.
DONALD HECHT says
I’m so sorry for you and your family.
A friend of mine from college.
Kristi Rebsom says
Carol and family,
Thinking of you with prayers and love. So sorry.
Linda Polich says
So sorry to hear of Paul’s passing.
My prayers are with you.
Mary Ann Stockhill Liles says
Carol & family, In addition to being a friend, he was a trusted friend as my financial advisor. I am so sorry to learn of this and will be keeping you all in my thoughts and prayers as you grieve this loss. God bless. RIP, Paul.
Mary Ann Liles
Pam Rogge says
Carol & Family,
You will be in my thoughts as you go through this journey and prayers for comforting memories in the days ahead.
Charlie Gunther says
Carol & family,
I am so sorry to hear about Paul. Another life taken too soon. My heart goes out to you & your family. Life isn’t the same, never will be. But there will come a time when all your memories of him will make you smile for having had so many years together. May God give you strength thru this time of grief.
Angela Peterson says
So very sorry for your loss he was a great man. Prayers are with all of you.
Bill Tramp says
Carol and Family,
I can’t imagine the devastation of losing a spouse/father at such a young age.
Rachael Albanese says
I’m so sorry for your loss. He was a wonderful man.
Darbie Karch and family says
So saddened to see this. Paul was always so friendly and cheerful. He will be missed. Condolences to all his family.
Jeena Hanley Christopherson says
Carol, Kari, Katie, Kasey, and family- I’m so sorry to hear the Paul passed. You all are in my thoughts.
Bruce and Kathy Ziebarth says
Carol and family: You are in our thoughts and prayers during this time.
Sue says
We were so sad to hear about Paul…our thoughts and prayers are with you all during this difficult time…we always enjoyed the times we spent with Paul and Carol…Don Mueller and Sue Anderson
Carol Bean says
We were so sad to hear of Paul’s passing. I will always remember him teasing me everytime he seen me, that I didn’t work enough hours at the county. Paul was just such a fun spirited guy. He will be missed in this community. Prayers and thoughts for all of you.
JR & Carol Bean
Cindy milligan says
Dearest Krueger Family. All I keep playing over in my thoughts is Paul’s BIG smile, his laughing eyes, his joking around, his kind heart, our fun times at branding and the wonderful times spent with the Krueger families. Bill and I are very sad and shocked to hear about Paul. Our hearts, prayers and love are with you all. I hope the memories you have of Paul give you comfort and peace !
Love and Hugs Cindy and Bill 🦋❤️
Sheri Clauson says
Paul was a wonderful man – so nice and always friendly. He will be missed.
My thoughts and prayers are with all of Paul’s family.
Gerald E Backlund and Susan Backlund says
So sorry to hear about Paul. our prayers and thoughts go out to the entire family.
Dale and Linda Marcil says
Kasey and family, we are so sorry to hear about Paul, fun guy and always smiling. He will be missed.
Douglas Davis says
My deepest sympathies to Paul’s family. Paul made a significant positive difference in my life. I’m sure there are many others that could say the same thing.
Connie and Ron Watts says
Carol and family-You and Paul have been such awesome neighbors!! Our sincere sympathy, and if anything is needed we are right here for you🙏
Ray and Terri Schmidt says
We are so very heartbroken over Paul’s passing. We have sooo many cherished memories of trips and fun times with Paul and Carol. I will certainly miss that twinkle in Paul’s eyes when he teased me. And the relationship that Paul and Carol had is one to envy and cherish. Please know you are all in our hearts and thoughts during this difficult, difficult time. He will be missed by so many!!
Curtis Fillafer says
Kasey and family you are in my thoughts and prayers during the difficult times ahead. Paul was an individual who always brought joy and happiness to all who were fortunate to be in his company. I can’t begin to tell you of the many decades of pleasant memories I had with Paul. Paul God Bless you in heaven. I’m so sorry to see you leave us. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Doug and Teresa Dewald says
When the light of a loved one goes out we can have hope because the SON has risen with our prayers all of the Dewald family
Wanda & Wayne Holmlund says
Carol & Family: Our sincere condolences and heart felt sympathy to each of you at this difficult time.
DeEtta Walker (Maasch) says
Carol & Family: I am just so shocked by this! I just feel so blessed that I was able to see him in May when I was home. I have such wonderful memories of you all and the times that I worked for Paul all those years ago. He was always happy and so fond of his family! When I saw him in May he was so excited showing me all the pictures of the kids and grandchildren. I always felt blessed to have known him and told him in May that I felt that I owed him for the wonderful career I have had since it started with him and Edward Jones all those years ago. I can’t express how sorry I am to hear this and am sending you all my thoughts and prayers. I am sure Paul’s laughter and jokingly personality will brighten Heaven. Please know that Scott and I are with you at this difficult time.
Eugene Blackwell says
Gene and I always loved our times with your family. Thought of old days at Karen’s playing volleyball and then fireworks and everyone going to your place in most recent years for Krueger celebrations. What a treat for all to celebrate love and togetherness so well. We are so saddened to hear of Paul’s passing.
MARTHA J CRANDALL says
my sympathy
Richard and LInda Meidinger says
Our thoughts and prayers go out to the family. May he rest in peace.
May your great memories help you through this difficult time. Hugs
Cynthia & Kevin Klein says
Carol and Family,
We were so sorry to hear about Paul. Our thoughts are with you.
Ron and Ginny Hathaway says
Carol, so sorry for your loss.
Cindy and Dale Berg says
Our thoughts and prayers are with you all! He was such a nice man.
He will be missed in our community.
Jan & Steve VanFossen says
Carol and family: we are so sorry to hear the news of Paul’s passing. He always had a great approach to life and was fun and joyful. He will be missed but remembered fondly. Take care of yourselves and hold tight to one another.
Jerry & Peggy Stanley says
Deepest Sympathy. Your all in our thoughts and prayers.
Gary and Tammy Kramer says
Our hearts go out to you during this difficult time. Please accept our condolences.
Danette & David Olguin says
Carol and family I am so so sorry to hear of Paul’s passing. My thoughts and prayers are with all of you during this difficult time. I believe my Dad and Paul are enjoying a drink together 🙂 🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼
Cheryl Tonn says
My prayers for helping you all through your pain and grieving .
Taylor (Neumann) Hatley says
I’ve been heartbroken for Katie, Carol, Kari and Kasey since finding out Paul was sick. I’ve known the Krueger family since I was a kindergartener! Many memories with my best friend Katie growing up and I’m beyond heartbroken for all of them. Paul was everything that was said in his obituary. An amazing father and husband. He’s leaving behind a beautiful legacy. Something we should all strive for on this Earth. Sending love and praying for all of you. Xo
Wes Wes Malenovsky says
SORRY TO HEAR OF PAULS PASSING GOD BLESS MAGIC
Stabler Hazel says
So sorry to hear of Paul’s passing. He was a very nice person and professional. Loved that smile!
Eileen Minette says
Dear Carol and family, I’m so sorry to hear of Paul’s passing. He had such a great smile and laugh. We had some good times together. I imagine he and John are up to some mischief together.
Love,
Eileen and family
Dennis and Meredith says
Always enjoyed Paul and Carol. What an amazing couple. This leaves a huge hole in your lives that you will need to fill with the fantastic memories of his love and his tricks. Memories he did make. Thinking of you all during this trying time.
Nancy Fillafer says
Kasey, My sympathy to you & your family at these difficult times. He was one of the nicest guys I knew. Take care & god bless.
Duane & Laurie Claypool says
Kasey, Carol, Kari & Katie, our deepest condolences. So sorry to hear of the passing of Paul. You are in our prayers & thoughts.
Tom and Lillian Ostendorf says
So very sorry to hear of Paul’s passing. Prayers for God to hold you close at this time.
Ed Duba says
Carol and family, i am so sorry to hear of cousin Paul’s passing. I am afraid I will not be able to attend the celebration of life this Friday afternoon, but my brother, Wayne and brother in law Martin will be there for the celebration.
Love, Cousin Ed
Loree (Ulrich) Jeffers says
I am so sorry for your loss. My dad, Kermit Ulrich, loved going in to the office and visiting with Paul. He trusted him as his financial advisor. On many occasions dad would take me in to meet Paul. I was so surprised to see that he had passed. My prayers are with your family through this difficult time.
Lola Hess says
So sorry to hear of Paul’s passing! We so enjoyed our visits with him as our financial adviser!! Thoughts and prayers to all the family!