Raymond E. Krueger, 80, of Hutchinson passed away on Monday, May 13, 2024, at Harmony River Living Center in Hutchinson. Funeral Service was held Friday, May 17, 2024, at 11 a.m. at Faith Lutheran Church in Hutchinson with interment in Oakland Cemetery in Hutchinson.
Clergy Officiating: Pastor Paulus Pilgrim; Organist: Austin Willhite; Congregational Hymns: “Beautiful Savior”, “Blessed Assurance”, “Amazing Grace”, “Precious Lord, Take My Hand”; Casket Bearers: Brian Levanduski, Mark Hiles, Scott Krueger, Steve Rodewald, Jon Hiles, Shawn Mayfield; Military Honors: Hutchinson Memorial Rifle Squad Raymond Eugene Krueger was born on December 18, 1943, in Gaylord. He was the son of Ernst and Malinda (Hafermann) Krueger. Ray was baptized as an infant at his home by Pastor Bratke from St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Arlington and later confirmed in his faith as a youth at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Arlington. He received his education in Arlington-Green Isle and was a graduate of Arlington-Green Isle High School class of 1961.
Ray entered active military service in the United States Air Force on November 23, 1964, in Minneapolis and served his country during the Vietnam War. He received an Honorable Discharge on July 15, 1969, at Hill Air Force Base in Utah and achieved the rank of Staff Sergeant.
Ray was united in marriage to Christine Ann Briggs. This marriage was blessed with two children, Glynis and Steven. Christine passed away in June of 1969. Ray married Lucille Hiles on March 20, 1971, at Christ Lutheran Church in Glencoe. This marriage was blessed with two additional children, Theresa and Daniel. Ray and Lucille resided in Glencoe and later moved to Hutchinson. They shared 53 years of marriage.
Ray was employed as a machine operator for 3M. He retired on January 1, 2005. Ray was a member of Faith Lutheran Church in Hutchinson. He was also a member of the Hutchinson VFW Post #906 and American Legion Post #96.
Ray enjoyed volunteering at church functions, doing yard work, fishing, and traveling. He also enjoyed working on the dairy farm with his brother, Ron, and nephew, Scott. Ray treasured time on the farm and at the cabin of his lifelong friend, Jim. He cherished spending time with his family, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Blessed be his memory. Ray is survived by his wife, Lucille Krueger of Hutchinson; children, Glynis Vacek and her husband, Robert of Hutchinson, Theresa Frericks and her significant other, Greg Whitcomb of Atwater, Steve Krueger and his significant other, Kari Maffiola of Nathrop, Colo., Daniel Krueger and his fiancée, Stacey Kritzeck of Hutchinson; several grandchildren and great-grandchildren; brothers, Darwin Krueger and his wife, Evangeline of Plymouth, Kenneth Krueger and his wife, Marlene of Mankato, Harlan Krueger and his wife, Barb of Arlington, Ronald Krueger and his wife, Pamela of Arlington; sisters, Elvera Timm of Kewaunee, Wis., Leona Thomas and her husband, Lowell of Clinton, Mo., Marlys Mayfield of Apple Valley, sisters-in-law, LaRane Krueger of Glencoe, Esther Levanduski of Rogers, Anita Worm and her husband, Dave of Jordan, Joyce May of New Prague; brothers-in-law, Lowell Hiles and his wife, Laurie of Belle Plaine, Lawrence Hiles and his wife, Karen of Branson, Mo.; many nieces, nephews, and other relatives and friends.
Ray is preceded in death by his parents, Ernst and Malinda Krueger; first wife, Christine Krueger and her daughter, Catherine Hayden; brothers, Virgil (Arlys) Krueger, Orville Krueger; sister, Mayonna Krueger; father- and mother-in-law, Douglas and Isabella Clark; father-and mother-in-law, Marvin and Naomi Hiles; brothers-in-law, Larry Hiles, Andy May, Gerald Levanduski, Larry Blades, Herbert Timm.
Arrangements by Dobratz-Hantge Funeral Chapel in Hutchinson. Online obituaries and guestbook available at www.hantge.com. http://www.hantge.com
