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Sunday, January 8, 2017

*2016* Deb Krueger > Father 07.30.16

Donald "Don" Krueger Donald Herman Krueger, age 92, was born May 18, 1924 in Faribault, MN to Herman and Mary Krueger. He was raised in Morristown, MN and graduated from High School in 1942. Don enlisted in the Navy in 1943 and was stationed in Attu, Alaska with the Hospital Corps. In 1945, Don was transferred to serve at St. Elizabeth's Hospital in Washington, DC. It was here that Don met the love of his life, Winifred. They married in 1946. Donald received his Pharmacy degree in 1951 from NDSU, moved to Alexandria, MN and began his lifelong profession as a pharmacist at Rexall Drug. Don and Wini had three daughters between the years of 1949-1962. Don purchased the drugstore in 1965 and continued to expand services in the community. Don helped the hospitals with their pharmacies and was a consultant at Bethany and Knute Nelson nursing homes. In 1982, Don introduced the "Unit Dose System" to Knute Nelson Home. In 1988, he sold the drugstore to Thrifty White, worked part-time for Thrifty for 2 years and then fully retired in 1990 after 36 years in pharmacy.
Don was on the First National Bank board of directors, past president of the Jaycees and Chamber of Commerce, dedicated member of American Legion Post 87 and a lifetime member of Rotary. He was on the Alexandria School board for over 10 years. Don also supported both Douglas County Hospice and Knute Nelson Hospice. The people who provide this end of life service are angels.
Don thoroughly enjoyed his retirement years and continued to serve the community. He was on the board of directors for Central MN Elder Network and actively volunteered with Elder Network. In 2014, Don and his son-in-law Bob participated in the Honor Flight to Washington DC to see the WWII Memorial. It was one of his last trips and the experience was a highlight of his later years. He was one of the first residents at Knute Nelson Grand Arbor Senior living and enjoyed a wonderful circle of new and old friends.
Don lived life to the fullest up until his last day. He sought refuge in nature and was known as "The Guide" to those who joined him on his yearly fishing trips to Canada and duck hunting opener. He did not allow his failing health to make his world smaller. Don lived each day abundantly. His mind remained sharp, his wit bright and his laughter contagious. He always had a story to share and was interested in the stories of others. He was loved, respected and our anchor in life.
Don passed away peacefully in his home on July 30th, 2016. He was preceded in death by his wife: Winifred, his parents and brother. He is survived by his daughters: Deborah, Leslie (Bob) and Tracy (Tom). Grandchildren: Melissa (Chad), Christa (Joe), Molly (Michael), Maggie (Brian), Shannon, Shelby. Great-grandchildren: Jordyn, Isaac, Will, Josie and Benny. He also embraced his step-grandchildren: Mary Kay (Patrick), Joe and step great-grandchildren: Vivian and Oliver.
The family requests memorials to Elder Network of Alexandria and Knute Nelson Hospice.
Don's complete obituary is posted online at www.andersonfuneral.net
        


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