DeWayne 'Red' Reinhold Krueger, 86

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

Red 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, Noth 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. His daughters Jennifer, 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 Disabled American Veterans and especially the staff at the Montana Veterans 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, P.O. Box 10606, Kalispell, MT 59901, or Montana Veterans Home, P.O. Box 250, Columbia Falls, MT 59912.

Columbia Mortuary is caring for DeWayne’s family.