Ernest Krueger, age 98 of Turtle Lake, ND, died July 18, 2011 at the Prairieview Nursing Home in Underwood.

Funeral Services will be held 10:00 AM Saturday, July 23rd at Trinity Lutheran Church in Turtle Lake with Pastor Betty J. Stedman officiating. Interment will follow at the Turtle Lake Cemetery. Visitation will be held one hour prior to funeral service at the church.

Ernest was born January 28, 1913 in Kief, ND to Fred & Caroline (Martin) Krueger. He was raised in the rural McClusky, ND area and attended the Highland Township country school. Ernest could recall the first time he ever saw a car including the make and model of it. He had many childhood memories he would share, including traveling alone by horse-drawn wagon to haul grain to the market. Ernest made his living farming and ranching in the Profit Mountains area between Mercer & McClusky. He was a member of the St. John's Lutheran Church in McClusky for many years. He married Pauline Lick Kemmit on October 7th, 1962. Ernest continued to farm and ranch until his retirement in 1972 when he and Pauline moved into Turtle Lake. They became members of Trinity Lutheran Church in Turtle Lake and Ernest found part-time work with local rancher Joe (Earl) Goven. Ernest grew to love the Goven's and considered them as family. In addition to helping out at the Goven farm, Ernest was the primary handyman for Cullum Rental properties in Turtle Lake during the 1980's and 1990's. In his late 70's, when most would be content to simply sit by and offer advice, Ernest preferred to work hard including grinning while carrying full sheets of 4X8 ft. sheetrock during his years helping Cullum Rentals. Even through his later years, Ernest was known for his bear-like hugs, sharp mind, and keen sense of humor. He appreciated those who took time to visit with him, especially his faithful friend Ron Almer, who assisted him most during the later years of his life.

He is survived by two step-children, Arlin Kemmit of Turtle Lake, & Shirley Peterson of Hot Springs, CO; two sisters, Dorothy Dolan of Pasadena, CA, & Violet Ketterling of W. Lafayette, IN; & two brothers, Ralph Krueger of Fargo, & Emanuel Krueger of Minneapolis, MN.

Ernest was preceded in death by his parents, wife (Pauline), brothers (Dan, Fred, Walter, Rueben, & infant Herman), sisters (Ida Larson, Tillie Panko, & Christine Dolan).