Danny Krueger

Danny Krueger, age 66, of Watertown, SD, passed away on Sunday, March 24, 2024 at Avera McKennan in Sioux Falls, SD.  Visitation will be from 4-6 p.m. on Saturday, March 30, 2024, at Crawford-Osthus Funeral Chapel in Watertown.

Danny Ray Krueger was born in Watertown on April 18, 1957, to Fredrick Vincent Krueger and Dorothy Mae McPeek. Danny Ray lost his father at a young age but adored his mother, Dorothy. He took his kids to visit her and have her delicious banana bread often. Danny Ray’s mother always enjoyed buying everyone Dairy Queen footlongs and shakes during the many projects Danny Ray started.

Danny Ray whistled and wooed Deb as teenagers and wanted a family right away. Soon after, they had their son, Shane Krueger, born in October of 1974. As soon as Danny Ray was 18, he married Deb the very next day, April 19, 1975. Although young, they continued to build their family with Mindy (Brian) Hill, born in December of 1977; Danelle Krueger, born in July of 1979; and Cassie Krueger, born in June of 1981.

He tried many jobs but finally found his place welding. The first time he welded he knew it was the job he loved. Danny Ray would begin and end his welding days with Todd Good at B&G Welding.

Tragedy also hit Danny Ray’s family as they lost their little angel, their daughter Cassie, at 10 years old, in October of 1991. After years of pain and loss, Mindy brought in the first grandchild, Gavin, in July of 1997. Weeks later, Danelle had Kayden in August of 1997. Dan and Deb were ecstatic to become Papa and Nana. Although Papa showed little emotion, he loved his grandchildren more than anything.

Soon after, Dan and Deb bought the lake house and began millions of projects as he could build anything,  with some still being worked on to this day. We all knew him as a hard worker, with many breaks drinking coffee, smoking, and thinking. He was quiet, yet so full of thoughts.

As Dan continued to build his dream house, his kids continue to add to the family. Mindy added Brayden (Bubba) in October of 2003 and Gracie in September of 2005. Shane finally joined in and added Cora in November of 2007. Years later, Danelle keeps it going with Ethan in March 2013 and Brandon in March of 2016. Kayden had the first great-grandchild, Theo, in March of 2016. Brian Hill then married Mindy, and Dan was proud to accept him as his own. Nick Bent was not family by paper, but he helped him through some of the toughest years.

Danny Ray is remembered for his love for racing, helping Danny Hall, and riding his Harley with Bobby Hall. He was happy to put miles on his bike with Deb and each of his kids getting to ride with him. Everyone saw Dan as a good guy and hard worker who was quiet but full of wonder. He also was a Trump supporter, but we love him anyway.

Dan had heart issues and beat cancer. He was strong and his stubbornness kept him busy washing dishes and completing many projects.  His siblings Doris,  Darwin, Diane and Darlene also lost their lives to cancer.

Danny Ray is survived by his younger brother Donovan.

Arrangements by Crawford-Osthus Funeral Chapel www.crawfordosthus.com Watertown, Hayti, De Smet, Bryant

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