Obituary for LaVerne Krueger

Surrounded by the warmth of his loved ones in the comfort of his daughter’s home, LaVerne William Edward Krueger passed away peacefully on September 27, 2024. Born on November 30, 1940, to Walter and Mabel Krueger in the quiet town of Bangor, Wisconsin, LaVerne learned the value of hard work early in life while growing up on his family farm raising livestock and working with dairy cattle. His connection to the land and animals was evident from an early age, particularly in his love for horses. LaVerne began riding at the local jackpot horse shows where his daring horseback riding earned him the nickname "Wild Bill" That fate introduced him to his future wife, Carol Jean and together, they would build a life rooted in dedication to family and a shared passion for horses.

LaVerne eventually hung up his horseback riding spurs and found a new joy in pulling draft horses, remarking with pride that “they pay you to show up.” LaVerne, a second-generation horse puller, helped to solidify the Krueger Horse Pulling legacy that has stood the test of time. As a member of the Wisconsin (Hall of Fame inductee 2002) and Minnesota Horse Pullers Associations and the R-B Riders Saddle Club, LaVerne played an active role in the community, organizing horse shows and pulls, including a 45-year commitment to the La Crosse County Fair and the Carol Krueger Memorial Horse Pull- a tribute to the love of his life.

LaVerne worked as a lineman at Dairyland Power for 35 years, traveling widely and forming lasting friendships along the way. He often returned home with stories of his travels and a fondness for sharing memories and left over oatmeal crème pies with those around him.

Above all, LaVerne was most proud of his family. He and Carol married on February 2, 1963, and together they raised five children (2 sets of twins in 11 months), who blessed them with 18 grandchildren and 16 great-grandchildren. LaVerne delighted in sharing stories of their achievements, his pride evident in his smile and the light in his eyes.

LaVerne’s quick wit, infectious knee slapping laugh, and deep love for his family and the horses he cared for will forever be cherished. His memory will live on through his children: Greg (Twyla) Krueger and their children, Dustin, Steve (Blake), Bobby (Cassie), Jenna (Dylan) and Kennedy; Grant (Amy) Krueger and their children Wyatt (Morgan), Marshall, Garrett (Alyssa) Krueger.  Gidget (Jim) Gade and their children Lance (Faith), Madison and Logan; Janel (Tim) Griffin and their children Nathan, Haley and Zachary; Jeff (Barb) and their children Mike, Cody, Keagan and Hannah (Logan); two brothers Tim and Mike, sister Ila and sister-in-law Vicki Wedam and brother-in-law Loren Indahl and extended family Virginia Valenica, Stacy Prassas, Floyd Johnson, several nieces, nephews, cousins and his many friends.  He was preceded in death by his loving wife Carol, his parents Walt and Mabel and his sister Phyllis.

The family extends their heartfelt gratitude to Mayo Hospice and Sunshine on the Trails for their compassion and care.

The family invites you to wear your favorite horse pulling shirt to the wake.

Services will be held to honor Laverne’s life and legacy at 11:00 a.m., Monday, October 7, 2024, at St. Paul’s Ev. Lutheran Church in Bangor. Rev. Brock Groth will officiate. Burial will follow in Burns Cemetery. A visitation will be held from 4:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m., Sunday, October 6, 2024 at Fredrickson Funeral Home, Hwy 162 and Hattan St., Bangor and from 10:00 a.m., until the time of service, Monday, at the church.

Online condolences and expressions of sympathy may be offered on this website.