Ernest "Ernie" W. Kruger

Ernest “Ernie” W. Kruger, 88
St. Cloud
June 16, 1938 – August 15, 2026

Ernest “Ernie” W. Kruger, Age 88, of St. Cloud passed away on Saturday, August 15, 2026, at the Good Shepherd Lutheran Home.

A Memorial Luncheon, with a time of sharing, celebrating Ernie’s life will be held at 12:00 PM on Thursday, August 27, 2026, at Benson Funeral Home, St. Cloud. Visitation will be from 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM. Inurnment will be at 11:00 AM on Friday, August 28th in Lakeview Cemetery, Blackduck, MN.

Ernie was born on June 16, 1938, in Tenstrike, MN to Douglas and Hazel (Morrison) Kruger. He served in the U.S. Marines Corps from 1955-1959 and was stationed in Okinowa, Japan. Ernie was married to Deanna “Dee” Benson on July 18, 1958, in Mora, MN. He was a member of the East Side-Kingdom Hall of Jehovah’s Witnesses. Ernie worked as a Union Drywaller from 1960-1998. He enjoyed traveling with Dee, participating in Roller Derby as a member of the “Bay City Bombers”, waterskiing, hunting, and feeding birds and squirrels. He will be remembered for his ability to fix or repair anything.

Ernie is survived by his children, Ernie (Ann) Kruger, of Rice, Tonia (Tom) Schulte of Clear Lake, and Lisa Kerkow of St. Cloud; brother, Darrell Kruger of Bemidji; 9 grandchildren; and 10 great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Dee on June 25, 2011; 4 great-grandchildren; siblings, Robert Kruger, Donna Robbinson, Mavis Gillman; and half-brother, Charles “Duff” Spencer.