Krueger, Joseph Leo 1982 - 2024
KRUEGER, HAINES, MILLER
Posted By: Joy Moore (email)
Date: 6/28/2024 at 14:35:16
Joseph Leo Krueger, age 42, of Decorah, Iowa, passed away on Tuesday, June 25, 2024, at Mayo Clinic Hospital in Rochester, Minnesota after a year-long struggle with Stage IV Cancer.
Funeral services will be at 11:00 a.m. on Monday, July 1, 2024, at First Lutheran Church – 604 W. Broadway St., in Decorah with Rev. Michael Wilker presiding. Burial will be in the Phelps Cemetery.
Visitation will be from 2:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m. on Sunday, June 30, 2024, at Helms Funeral Home - 306 E. Water St., in Decorah and after 10:00 a.m. at the church on Monday morning. Please do not send flowers! In Lieu of flowers: Donations may be made to the Humane Society of Northeast Iowa or an animal shelter or rescue center of your choice.
Following the visitation there will be a gathering for anyone interested; at Pulpit Rock Brewing Event Space: 207 College Drive, Decorah from 4 - 8ish p.m.
Joe graduated from Century High School in Bismarck, North Dakota in 2000, and then attended the University of North Dakota in Grand Forks, graduating with a BA in Political Science in 2004. One of his most memorable experiences at UND was interning for United States Senator Byron L. Dorgan (D-ND) in Washington, D.C. Joe continued his education at Hamline University School of Law in St. Paul, Minnesota, where he earned his Juris Doctorate in 2007. As an attorney, Joe worked with several organizations, including Trial Lawyers for Justice with Nick Rowley in Decorah, IA, and, most recently, with Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota.
Joe grew up in Bismarck, North Dakota, and was proud to call the state his home. He enjoyed fishing and held a special place in his heart for time spent at Lake Sakakawea. He was an exceptional Legion Baseball player in Bismarck, and loved watching the Minnesota Twins and Vikings, supporting the teams no matter how many times they broke his heart. One of Joe's favorite hobbies was trading stocks and learning about cryptocurrency. He treasured the friendships he made in his online trading group, and cherished his friends from Bismarck, UND, and those he met throughout his life. For those who had the honor of knowing him, Joe was loyal, kind, honest, quick-witted, and always immensely generous and compassionate. He was a true lover of nature, spending much time on his deck, listening to birds and frogs, watching wildlife, and keeping an eye out for any possible sasquatch. Joe adored his rescue pups and held a special place in his heart for Franklin, a Pekingese saved from a local puppy mill. Joe supported various political causes, and also contributed to many charitable organizations, including the Humane Society of Northeast Iowa and New York Public Radio.
Family was the central focus of Joe's life. He met his wife, Bekah, at Hamline, and they were married in Fargo, North Dakota in 2008. Together, they enjoyed listening to music, and Joe graciously put up with Bekah's love of musical theater despite his far superior taste. One of their favorite activities was drinking morning coffee together or sitting on the deck, chatting for hours. Joe and Bekah have two children, Amelia (age 12) and Mason (age 8). Joe (known as "Papa") was a wonderful father. He adored his children, and loved every moment he could spend with them. As someone who worked from home for several years, Joe was honored to be present for family moments, large and small. He was so proud of his children, and being their Papa was one of his greatest joys. As a family they loved playing board games, fossil hunting, and taking day trips throughout the Driftless Region. Joe valued spending time with his parents, Bonnie and Joel, his brother, Nick, and members of his extended family. He often regaled Bekah, Amelia and Mason with tales from childhood. Joe loved eating Bonnie's German strudels, having a beer with Joel, and giving Nick lots of useful advice. Joe also had a close bond with Bekah's mother, Laurie, and was grateful for the time they spent together, especially throughout the past year. The moments he spent with family and friends were the highlights of Joe's life.
Joe is survived by his wife, Rebekah (Haines) Krueger, his children, Amelia Krueger and Mason Krueger, his parents, Bonnie Krueger and Joel Krueger, and his brother, Nicholas Krueger.
Joe was preceded in death by his grandparents Adeline Krueger, Leo Krueger, Hertha Miller and Leo Miller.
Source: Helms Funeral Home database
Phelps Cemetery
Winneshiek Obituaries maintained by Bruce Kuennen.
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