Rev. John Krueger

The Rev. John G. Krueger, age 78, went to be with his Lord on Wednesday, November 18, 2020. Pastor John was a man who lived his faith as he served others. In fact, that is how he met Kitty, the love of his life: he was the young man who could play a bass accordion and sing a song to fill a role in the theatrical production she was directing. Throughout his life, John’s voice carried in song and praise to his Lord. A life of ministry suited him well, and through his incredible faith, he touched so many with his wisdom, kindness, and generosity.

Born in 1942 in Iowa City, Iowa, John was the son, grandson, and great-grandson of Lutheran pastors. In 1964 he enlisted in the United States Navy (Uncle Sam’s Canoe Club, as he fondly called it) and he served his country proudly. After his service, he enrolled at Bemidji State College, where he met the love of his life, Kitty Michelini.

John and Kitty were united in marriage on August 23, 1969, and following his graduation from Bemidji State in 1970, John enrolled in Northwestern Lutheran Theological Seminary in St. Paul, MN. There he earned his Master of Divinity degree and was ordained in 1974, becoming a fourth-generation Pastor Krueger. From his first call in Ivanhoe to his final call in New York Mills, he served congregations throughout Minnesota. When he retired, he certainly wasn’t finished. John so enjoyed spreading God’s love that he answered several calls serving as interim minister in a variety of churches over the next twenty years.

As he answered God’s call, John also raised a loving family with Kitty. Their daughters, Jennifer and Heidi, brought them continued happiness. He was his girls’ number-one fan as they grew to be the women they are today, and he always made sure they knew how proud of them he was. An avid traveler, John’s wanderlust created many adventures as the family took trips to visit loved ones in Ohio and Washington, and see the sights in South Dakota, Florida, Canada, and many other locations. Later, he and Kitty traveled extensively, and thoroughly enjoyed trips to Mexico, the American Southwest, and many other places, creating wonderful memories along the way. Another of John’s great joys was golf. He loved to meet the guys on a Tuesday and play eighteen holes. He felt a great sense of accomplishment when he could whittle down his score, and wherever he and Kitty traveled in their retirement, he found a course to enjoy.

John and Kitty settled in the Perham area in 1991. Wherever he was, John enjoyed sharing his love and faith through singing and preaching. He spread God’s Word any time he would just stop and “chat.” He loved conversation and had a true gift for making people feel cared for and special. Family, friends, or strangers, people felt his love whether he was discussing someone’s recent endeavors or comforting them through a rough patch. John was truly a man of God.

John is survived by the love of his life, Kitty; his sisters, Marcia Pitts and Lynn Schul; his daughters and his sons-in-law, Jen (Brad) Henry, and Heidi (Tom) Dresser; his grandchildren, Dirk Henry, Riley Henry, Caleb Dresser, Sean Dresser, and Ashley (Colby) Palmersheim; and his great-grandson, Cashton Palmersheim.

A Memorial Service will be held on at 1:30pm on Saturday, June 12, 2021 at Calvary Lutheran Church in Perham.

Schoeneberger Funeral & Cremation Service, Perham, MN (218) 346-5175 www.schoenebergerfh.com

Rev. John's Memorial Folder