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Gary William Kruger, born on July 25, 1939, in Red Wing, Minnesota, passed away on October 8, 2026, at the age of 87. Raised in Hager City, Wisconsin, he attended Wilson Country School through the eighth grade and graduated from Ellsworth High School with the class of 1957. On July 1, 1960, he married Carole Hilden at Bethel Covenant Church, and together they built a life filled with love and devotion.
Gary dedicated his career to sales, working in various industries, including bread distribution, car sales, insurance, real estate, and auction services. He and Carole lived in Red Wing for nine years before returning to River Falls, where they made their home on Wasson Lane. An active member of his community, Gary contributed his time to the River Falls Lions Club, the River Falls Kiwanis Club, and served on the River Falls Fire Department. He was also deeply involved with the First Covenant Church and the Ouisconsin Fish and Game Club, where he cherished time spent at their cabins in Canada, a love he passed on to his family.
Gary was known for his generosity, hard work, and ability to see the best in people. He was a faithful man of God and upheld a strong sense of integrity throughout his life. He is preceded in death by his parents, Starr and Grace (Enberg) Kruger; his brothers, Don and Dick Kruger; and his son-in-law, Kelly Jackson.
He is survived by his beloved wife Carole; his children, Kent (Char) Kruger and Kari Jackson; grandchildren Brittani (Adam) Price, Cody Kruger, Brandon Boyd, and Austin Boyd; great-grandchildren Clyde, Lorraine, Irene, and Edith Price; sisters-in-law Donna Kruger and Renee Kruger; along with numerous other relatives and friends. Gary’s warmth and spirit will be greatly missed by all who had the privilege of knowing him.
A Funeral Service was held on Friday, October 16, 2026 at 12 pm at the First Covenant Church 1374 N Main Street River Falls, WI. Visitation was also on Friday from 10 am – 12 pm at the church. Family interment will be in the Bethel Church Cemetery in Ellsworth, WI after lunch. Gary would be most honored by memorials to his church or your favorite charity helping people in lieu of flowers. Arrangements are with Bakken-Young Funeral & Cremation Services.
8 Comments
Gary and Carole were wonderful friends to my Father at 1st Covenant, and Gary was a great person, faithful in service to Christ. My condolences to the family.
Gary was a good friend for many years and helped us with a number of real-estate deals. We last visited him just a year ago in McDonald’s in River Falls in a visit he arranged with some of our friends from First Covenant Church. We will miss him. Lanny and Joni.
Gary was a wonderful guy and will be missed ❤️
Gary was one of a kind. He always loved to joke around with us girls in the office at AMFAM. We loved having him around. He is going to be missed terribly.
Gary was a good friend and a great example of a Christian man, husband dad, ! He always brightened my day and I enjoyed seeing him. We are sure going to miss him. Our prayers to Carole, Kent, Kari and the rest of his family.
Carole and family: Gary was one of the good guys. Such a wonderful person. Always would greet you and had something nice to say. We certainly enjoyed going to his auctions. Always a fun time. He certainly will be missed. Keeping you all in our thoughts and prayers. He will always be in your hearts. God’s blessings to all.
Remembering Gary as a warm, caring and generous man who loved Jesus, his family, his church, his friends and his community.. My deepest sympathy to Carole and Gary’s family. May God bless each of you with His peace and strength from above as you navigate the future without Gary. May your precious memories and your faith sustain you. Prayers, Audrey (Gene) Aune
My sympathies to you Carole. Remembering you and the joys of WW. The love you shared will be your comfort and Peace! Grant yourself rest and time to grieve your loss.
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