Mr Donald Ray Krueger

He graduated from Goliad High School, attended Victoria College and graduated from Texas A&M University in 1951 with a degree in architectural construction. He worked as a Vice-president of the D.W. Marshall Construction Company managing the commercial contracting division until he started his own company, Don Krueger Construction Company, in 1962. In November of this year, the company will celebrate 50 successful years in the commercial construction industry. He built a reputation that is unsurpassed for quality, integrity and uncommon service – all attributes that were a direct reflection of its founder. He demanded excellence from his employees and staff, and they never failed to deliver. His early morning advice sessions in the coffee room at Krueger Construction will be missed by all of the employees that had the honor to be “instructed” by Mr. Krueger.

He remained active in the business until his death, continuing to be an innovator, leader and mentor to an entire generation of employees, subcontractors and clients. The many completed projects he was a part of across South and Central Texas are a testimony to this proud tradition of success, and there are over 800 completed projects throughout Texas that are a result of his hard work and longevity.

He was one of founding members of the Texas Mid-Coast Chapter of Associated Builders and Contractors of South Texas. He served as President of the organization in 1986, and was a lifelong supporter of the merit shop and of the free enterprise system in the construction industry. In January of 2010, Don and his long-time partner G. Troy Summerlin were honored with proclamations from both the City of Victoria and the County of Victoria for their many accomplishments and contributions in the Victoria area.

In other business interests, he served as one of the founders and president of KGS Electric, managing partner of the Christopher Inn Motel and the Captain’s Table Restaurant, and secretary-treasurer of the J.W. Marrs Lumber Company. He also had a successful underground utility contracting business, K/S Inc. In the 1970’s, he was an owner and minority partner in the Victoria Toros baseball team which was a New York Met’s farm club. He served on the Victoria Airport Commission, was a member of the Crossroad’s Foundation, and a director for Victoria Bankshares, the Victoria Country Club and the Victoria Chamber of Commerce.

He was a long time rancher and loved his cows. He had ranch interests in Victoria, Goliad and Dewitt Counties and was a proud member and supporter of the Texas and Southwest Cattle Raisers Association. He also loved to hunt – any type of hunting would do. He especially loved to hunt trophy deer in South Texas having many adventures and successful hunts with his hunting buddies, family and friends over a 50 year period. He was the “Patron” of the Mule Creek Hunting Club for many years in McMullen County and made many great friends at the hunting lease. He later became a partner in the Rancho Venado Grande also in McMullen County. In his later years, he loved to hunt with his grandchildren and instilled in them a great love of the land and the outdoors.

He was an active member of Our Saviour’s Lutheran Church where he served as a lector and usher. One of his proudest accomplishments was the design and construction of the New Sanctuary at Our Saviour’s which will serve as a lasting tribute to his faith and commitment to his Church family.

He is survived by his wife of 52 years, Bernice Kutach Krueger; son, Kevin Ray Krueger (wife Amy), daughters Donice Krueger and Tracy Krueger, all of Victoria; grandchildren Mason Alexander Krueger, Kevin Connally Krueger, Kathryn Ivy Krueger, William Hunt Krueger, and Madelyn Scott Krueger; niece Nelva Lee Wagner of Houston; nephews Royce Krueger, Dr. Kurtis Krueger, and Randy Garvel all of Victoria, Myron Krueger of Aledo, Texas, and Jerry Krueger of Gonzales.

He was preceded in death by his parents; sisters Wilhelmine Spencer, Evelyn Garvel, and Olivia Krueger; brothers Leroy Krueger, Virgil Krueger, and Ralph Krueger; long-time business partner and friend, G. Troy Summerlin; and long-time business associate and friend, Ervin F. Vrazel.

A visitation will be held from 6-8 p.m. on Tuesday, September 4th at Our Saviour’s Lutheran Church, Victoria.

Funeral services will be held at 10 a.m. Wednesday September 5th at Our Saviour’s Lutheran Church with Pastor John H. Waak officiating. A reception for family and friends will immediately follow in the church’s fellowship hall. Burial will be held in a private family service.

Pallbearers: Billy Garber, Doug Vrazel, Royce Krueger, Lester Colley, Jimmy Shuford, Mason Krueger, and Kevin Connally Krueger.

Honorary pallbearers: Gene Migura, John Brimberry, Danny Hiller, Victoria County Judge The Honorable Don Pozzi, Juan Guerra, Michael Traugott, all past and current employees of Don Krueger Construction Company and KGS Electric, Don’s Rocking K Ranch cowboys and the Victoria Country Club card room gang. Also friends and staff of Ramsey’s Restaurant that Don enjoyed so much.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Our Savior’s Lutheran Church, St. Joseph High School, The Diocese of Victoria Spiritual Renewal Center, Hospice of South Texas or donor’s choice.

Words of comfort may be shared with the Family at www.colonialfuneralhomevictoria.com

Arrangements by Colonial Funeral Home, Victoria, Tx 361-578-3535