DeWayne Reinhold “Red” Krueger

DeWayne Reinhold “Red” Krueger

DeWayne “Red” was born Aug. 3, 1929 and entered into rest Jan. 22, 2016 at The HealthCenter Northwest in Kalispell.

Red, 86, was born in Java, South Dakota and moved to Pasco, Washington in 1935.  He graduated from Pasco High School in 1947 and Washington State College School of Pharmacy in 1952.  Upon graduation, he entered the U.S. Army.  He was stationed in Fort Benning, Georgia and Fort Bragg, North Carolina, where he was part of the 82nd Airborne Division.

Red married Jean Cockrell in 1952.  After he completed his service they returned to Richland where he worked for Thrifty Drug.  In 1955, Red had the opportunity to purchase Eureka Drug in Eureka.  While in Eureka, he made many good friends and learned to love skiing.  He sold Eureka Drug in 1959 and purchased Sav Rite Drug in McMinnville, Oregon.  Not happy with the Oregon winters, he wanted to move back to Montana.  

In 1961, they purchased Piper Drug in Columbia Falls and renamed it Krueger Rexall Drug.  He sold the pharmacy to Smith’s in 1996 and closed the store.  He worked for Smith’s for a year and retired in 1997.  Over the years, he touched many lives.

Red had many hobbies.  He loved hunting, fishing, skiing, flying, and working in his shop.  He was building a V-Witt racing plane for many years.  His current project was restoring a Datsun 280Z.

Red is survived by his wife, Jean, at the family home.  He is also survived by his daughters Jennifer of Columbia Falls, and Paige Walker, her husband Scott, and their boys Graydon and Logan, of Fraser, Colorado.

Red’s family would like to thank the many wonderful caregivers he has had over the years.  In particular, 

Drs. Born and Hoppes, the staff of the Dialysis Clinic, the drivers from the DAV, and especially the staff at the Montana Veteran’s Home.

A celebration of life, with family and friends, will be held at a later date.

The family suggests memorials to either DAV Chapter 4, PO Box 10606, Kalispell, MT  59901 or Montana Veteran’s Home, PO Box 250, Columbia Falls, MT  59912.

Columbia Mortuary is caring for DeWayne’s family.