Eldon Walter Krueger

Eldon Krueger, age 92, peacefully went home to be with the Lord on April 19, 2026 at the MN Veterans Home in Bemidji. Funeral Services are Friday, April 24, 4:00 p.m. at Zion Evangelical Lutheran Church in Olivia with Pastor Craig Engel officiating. A viewing will be one hour prior to the service. Burial is at St. Matthew’s South Cemetery in Danube. Arrangements are by Dirks-Blem Funeral Service of Olivia.

Eldon Walter Krueger was born on October 14, 1933 in Danube, MN to Albert and Ella Krueger. He grew up on a small farm outside of Danube. At age 14 he started his 1st job (besides delivering papers) at Kuck’s Garage in Danube. The owner said Eldon should be paying him for the training he was receiving as a mechanic! When he was 16, Ralph Palm at the Ford garage in Renville, hired him as a mechanic through the summer months and then back to Kuck’s garage during the winter months because of school. After graduation from Danube High school he was hired by H & L Chevrolet in Renville from 1951-1956.

He married his best friend, Loretta Arlene Bakker on 4/12/1953 at Ebenezer Presbyterian Church in Renville, MN. In 1956 he was drafted into the army and Loretta went with him. He was sent to helicopter maintenance school in Fort Rucker, Alabama because of his mechanical aptitude and served as a helicopter mechanic until 1958 which he very much enjoyed!

After returning home to Renville he returned back to work at H & L Chevrolet. In 1962 he and Ray Knudson were asked to start a mechanic shop at Honzay’s Service station in Olivia. After 4 years, the business grew so much they built their own shop, known as Kar-Kare. In 1969 they were approached by American Motors to sell cars. In 1979 they acquired the franchise of Chrysler, Dodge, Plymouth and Dodge truck. In 1994 they leased their building and dealership and in 2019 it was sold and is now known as Olivia Chrysler Center.

Eldon and Loretta adopted 2 children, Kevin and Angela. He was a very loving father, always available for his kids no matter what. He and Loretta traveled to 49 of the 50 states and wintered in AZ for 29 years.

Eldon and his family were very involved in the church where he served on church council for many years and also city council. He was devoted to swimming laps daily and loved to bike all over town whether in Olivia or AZ.

Eldon loved his son-in-law Dan, his two granddaughters Alisha and Abby and was blessed with two great son-in-laws and 4 great grandchildren. His family brought him much joy and laughter.

Eldon is survived by son, Kevin Krueger, daughter, Angela (Dan) Moudry; Granddaughters Alisha (Alan) Marlin, Abby (Doug) Coutlee; Great Grandchildren, Avalyn Sand, Garyn Sand, Ellie Coutlee and Jack Coutlee; Brother-in-law, Morris Bakker and Sister-in-laws; Berdelle (Robert) Enestvedt and Vivien (Dave) Wittimaki and many nieces and nephews.

Eldon was preceded in death by his parents and his brothers; Delbourne (Shirley) Krueger and Harland (Geri) Krueger, brother-in-laws; Russell (Doris) Bakker and Marvin Bakker.

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