James “Jim” Krueger, 81 of San Pierre, passed away peacefully at home on Tuesday, June 17, 2025. He was born March 14, 1944, in Brems, to the late Everett and Rosemary (Bigler) Krueger. Jim graduated from LaCrosse High School in 1962, where he set a cross country record in the 2 mile that will never be broken. He proudly served in the United States Army in the 101st Airborne in parachute packing, and maintenance and air delivery. Jim made his career as a self-employed carpenter with Krueger Construction, and legend has it that every house in LaCrosse has been roofed by Jim at one point. He was a member of St. Peter Lutheran Church in North Judson and the Wanatah American Legion Post 403. In his youth, Jim had been involved with 4-H, and he continued to stay active with the group through his children and grandchildren. He also enjoyed gardening, watching Wheel of Fortune, and old westerns with The Duke and Matt Dillon. Jim was a devoted family man above all else. He loved showing up to support his grandchildren at their extracurricular activities. He also had a wonderful sense of humor, contagious smile, and ornery personality. Jim will be lovingly remembered as a dedicated husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather who will be dearly missed.
On December 28, 1991, at St. Mark Lutheran Church in Medaryville, Jim married Phyllis Dust, who survives, along with children: Jason (Gabby) Krueger of Hanna, Deanna (Chris) Birky of Kouts, Haylee (Matthew) Smolek of San Pierre, and Kelsey Krueger of San Pierre; grandchildren: Cameron Krueger, Lauryn Krueger, Hannah (Ruben) Barjas, Morgan Shreeves, Jackson Shreeves, Sophia Tikalsky, Isabella Tikalsky, Grant Birky, Marissa (Richie) Foster, Anna Birky, Haydyn Smolek, Rowyn Smolek, Hattly Smolek, Amelia Resendez, and Liam Thomas; great-grandchildren: Caroline, Reed, and Jack; and siblings: Joy Motter, Jeff (Mary) Krueger, and Joel Krueger. He was preceded in death by his brother and sister-in-law, John & Jane Krueger; and brother-in-law, Ralph Motter.
A visitation will be held on Friday, July 18, 2025 from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at St. Peter Lutheran Church, 810 W. Talmer Ave., North Judson, with a memorial service beginning at 12:00 p.m., Rev. Daniel Speckhard officiating. Memorial donations may be made to Unity Hospice.
GUESTBOOK
Very sorry to hear this Jason, you and your family have my sympathies. -Shari Mills
So sorry for your loss, Phylis’s and Kelsey. I so enjoyed working with Jim at the NJSP elementary school. I also enjoyed his wood projects he brought to sell . I look around and I have several I display throughout the seasons. Prayers and hugs to the family. -Sharon Richie
