Larry Gene Kruger

Larry Gene Kruger of Aberdeen SD passed away March 1, 2023 in Duluth, MN. Larry was born in Mobridge, SD to Bertha and Benhard Kruger on February 7, 1945 and grew up in Pollock, SD with 10 siblings and graduated from Pollock High School in 1963.  Following graduation, Larry worked a stint as a gold miner in the Homestake Mine in Lead, SD before moving to Seattle, WA to work for Boeing Airlines.  Larry’s brother, “The Colonel” Arthur Kruger, invited him to Oklahoma to live with him, his wife Delores, and their family.  While living in Oklahoma, Larry was sworn into the Army Reserve, and was later drafted into the Army in February, 1968 and served in the Vietnam War in an Air Mobile Artillery Unit, returning stateside in August, 1969.  Upon returning from the War, Larry moved to Aberdeen, SD and enrolled at Northern State University.  The day after returning to Aberdeen, Larry met his future wife, Vivian Fuhrer.  Their first date was at the Capital Theater in Aberdeen where they saw the movie “True Grit”.  Larry and Vivian were married on June 19, 1970 and were together ever since, celebrating almost 53 years of marriage and raising their two children, Chad and Stacey.  Larry worked at United Parcel Service for 30 years as a semi-truck driver.  In addition, he did custom hay bailing, and he and Vivian were co-owners of a small business, Video Express in Aberdeen.  Larry had an immense talent for being able to fix about anything and was also a talented carpenter.  He enjoyed spending time in his shop working on various projects in his free time after retirement from UPS and volunteering in Aberdeen delivering ‘Meals on Wheels’ for those in need.  Larry took up golfing after retirement and this became a passion of his.  Larry and Vivian did a lot of traveling with their dear friends from Aberdeen on various trips, and were active members of First United Methodist Church of Aberdeen, SD. In 2019, Larry went on an Honor Flight Trip to Washington, DC with other servicemembers from various conflicts.  He was very proud of his service and the experience of the Honor Flight was a highlight for him.

Larry Kruger is survived by his spouse, Vivian Kruger; and two children, Chadwick Kruger of Rio Rancho, NM and Stacey Kelly, husband Aaron; and grandchildren, Eva(10), Fiona(8), and Olivia(7) Kelly of Duluth, MN.  Larry is also survived by siblings; Irene Ryckman, Margaret Salzer, Rodger Kruger, and Barbara Wessel. Larry was preceded in death by his parents, Bertha and Benhard Kruger; and siblings, Donald (infancy), Colonel Arthur Kruger, June Borr, Bennie Kruger, Gary Kruger, Frances Hugmeyer, and Sandra Renner.

A private memorial service will be held at the Black Hills National Cemetery in Sturgis S.D., which was a lifelong wish of Larry’s.  In lieu of flowers and gifts please contribute to the Midwest Honor Flight. www.midwesthonorflight.org/donate.html

A special Thank You to Cheryl and Dave Johnson, Prairie Heights Healthcare, and Avera Oncology of Aberdeen SD.