Kroeger

Duane John, age 59 of Watertown, passed away on March 23, 2024. He was born on June 7, 1964, in Lakefield, Minnesota, to Leroy and Laurene (Huehn) Kroeger. He was the youngest of five children, and grew up playing baseball and basketball, and drinking keg beers on the weekend. After graduating Duane attended Mankato State and received degrees in Accounting and Computer Science. Upon graduation, he moved to “da cities” and got a job with Traveler’s Express Company. (Moneygram). During this time, Duane continued his education and received a master’s in business administration.

Duane met his first wife Patricia, adopted Molly; then Hannah and Grace soon followed. Duane and Tish would then move to Watertown, Minnesota to raise their family. He began running marathons in 2005 following his divorce. After 25 years at Moneygram, Duane moved on to United Healthcare before having to go on disability for colon cancer in 2023.  After 7 years together, Duane married the love of his life Janelle in 2019.

Hobbies and passions included collecting records, going to Pearl Jam concerts (9 attended), visiting National Parks, and travels across all 50 states with his family. During his time with cancer, Duane made it to 51 of 63 national parks and completed marathons in all 50 states. Traveling was a true love that he shared with his wife Janelle. Together they visited New York, Chicago, Hawaii, San Francisco, and Hollywood. When they weren’t traveling, time together was spent updating their house and yard in Watertown.

Duane is survived by his wife Janelle; children Molly, Hannah, and Grace; stepchildren Tyler, Nichole, and Alyssa; siblings Darv, Jan, Byron, and Lori; and his cat Boots. Preceded in death by his parents.

A celebration of life will be held at 5 PM on Monday, April 1, 2024, at the Delano Senior Center in Delano, Minnesota. A gathering of family and friends will be held prior from 4-5 PM.

In lieu of flowers, memorials preferred to Colorectal Cancer Alliance or National Park Foundation