Gary Walter Kruger

Gary Walter Kruger April 1, 1945 – October 11, 2024

Gary Walter Kruger, age 79, passed away peacefully from a brief illness on October 11, 2024, at Green Prairie Rehabilitation Center in Plainview, Minnesota. Born in Rochester, Minnesota, Gary spent his childhood in rural Byron and graduated from Byron High School.

He married Judith Cranston and welcomed two daughters, Amy and Angela. They later divorced. Throughout his life, Gary’s passion for cars remained unwavering—whether buying, selling, repairing, or racing them, he found joy in every aspect of the automotive world. He owned Kruger Auto Sales in Stewartville and served as a New Car Manager at Adamson's in Rochester.

Gary met Janet Busby, and they married in Rochester. Later, they moved to Mankato, where they opened a successful lighting showroom, Lights On, until his retirement. Together, they ran Lights On and they spent weekends at the drag strip, racing Super Comp front engine dragsters and enjoying the camaraderie of fellow car enthusiasts. They eventually divorced.

Gary is survived by his daughters, Amy (David) Conway and Angela (Brad) Waits, and his beloved grandchildren, Spencer and Olivia Ihrke. He was preceded in death by his mother, Olive; his father, Walter; and his sister, Darlene Cooper.

A private burial for Gary will be held to honor his memory.