Donald James Kruger, 73, of Indianola, Iowa, passed away peacefully on Thursday, September 10, 2026.

Don was born in Charles City, Iowa to Donald A. and Joyce (Bailey) Kruger on March 21, 1953. He graduated from Nashua High School in 1971. He went on to graduate from Iowa State University with a degree in Industrial Engineering. He was an avid Iowa State basketball and football fan.

On June 14, 1986, Don married his cherished wife, Brenda (Martin) in Independence, Iowa. Together they built a life centered around faith and family in Woodward, Iowa. A roofing accident in 1994 left Don paralyzed. Through this trial, his faith and his love of the Gospel grew. Don and Brenda moved to Indianola in 2019 to be close to family.

Don loved his family. His children, their spouses, and his grandchildren were his pride and joy. He was not shy to tell anyone who would listen that he was going to have thirteen grandkids! He loved giving them wheelchair rides; teaching them about plants, gardening, and rockets; making ice cream; and watching fun kids shows and ISU games.

Don enjoyed bicycling, cooking, gardening, teaching Sunday school classes, and fellowshipping with his church families. When his children were young, he would be seen with them in downtown Woodward on their bikes getting ice cream or visiting the library. He was a researcher and a problem solver, always trying to figure out the best way to do something. Hours would be spent determining the best way to smoke a brisket, and he successfully designed a self-watering bucket garden that was the talk of his friends.

Donald is survived by his wife, Brenda; his children, James (Laura) Kruger, Jocelyn (Jordan) Salisbury, and Joelle (George) Luke; and his grandchildren, Hazel, Kenani, Aubrielle, Brendan and Brock Kruger, Tobiah, Ezra, August and Amzie Salisbury, and Devorah, Samson, Boniface and Mary Luke. He is also survived by his mother-in-law, Linda Martin; sisters-in-law, Pat Kruger, Joan Kruger, and Laurie (Kevin) Buhrow; brother-in-law, Rick (Shelly) Martin; as well as many nieces, nephews, extended family members, and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents; father-in-law, John Martin; brothers, Kent Kruger and Kerry Kruger; niece, Karmen Kruger; and great niece, Aleah Capron.

Funeral services will be held 2 p.m., Saturday, September 19 at Martensdale Community Church in Martensdale, Iowa. A Graveside Service will be held 1 p.m., Monday, September 21 in the Greenwood Cemetery, Nashua, Iowa. Visitation will be held 4 to 7 p.m., Friday, September 18 at the Martensdale Community Church. Memorials contributions can be made to the family in Donald’s memory.