Dean Krueger

Masonic funeral services for Dean Krueger took place at 9:30 a.m. today, Sept. 7, 2010, at the Bethany United Church of Christ in Baxter. Funeral services began at 10 a.m., and Pastor Gene Bryant officiated. Burial followed at the Union Cemetery in Newton.

Dean was born in Marshalltown on Feb. 13, 1926, to Viola (Kanne) and Bernhard Krueger. He grew up on the family farm on the outskirts of Baxter. As a child Dean was very fond of basketball and excelled at it on the high school team. Dean graduated from Baxter High School in 1944 and joined the Army Air Corps to assist with the World War II effort. After Dean was honorably discharged from the service, he returned to Iowa, where he attended Central College. After college he returned to Baxter and moved to his families Century Farm, where he proudly raised his purebred Angus cattle cow/calf herd and was a charter member of the Iowa Cattlemen’s Association. Dean married Irene Steenhoek on Nov. 6, 1953, and together they raised their son, Dick. Dean and Irene started and were very active in the Jasper County Retarded Association, which later became Beacon Light School. He has served as Christian Rural Overseas Program (C.R.O.P.) director, both local and county, and was on the state board of C.R.O.P. for over 50 years. Dean was a member of the Bethany United Church of Christ, Masonic Lodge, Eastern Star, White Shrine, High Twelve, American Legion Post 144, Legion 5th District, Farm Bureau and the Cattleman’s Association.

Those left to honor Dean’s memory include his brothers, Edgar (Rosemary) Krueger of Baxter and William Krueger of Baxter, and many nieces and nephews.

Dean was preceded in death by his parents, wife, son and sister, Ruth Miller. Memorial contributions may be directed to the family.

Fredregill Family Funeral Home (641-227-2622) in Baxter was entrusted with the care of Dean and his family.