In Memory of James "Jim" Krueger

James “Jim” Krueger, age 83, of Battle Creek, Iowa, passed away on Thursday, January 12, 2023, at his daughter’s residence of Sioux City, Iowa.

A Memorial Service will be held at 10:30 a.m., Saturday, January 28, 2023, at the St. John Lutheran Church of Battle Creek, Iowa. Rev. Randy D. Cormeny will officiate. No Visitation will be held. Military Rites will be conducted at the church by the Maple Valley Post No. 364 of the American Legion of Battle Creek, Iowa.

The Christensen-Van Houten Funeral Home of Battle Creek, Iowa, is in charge of the funeral arrangements.  Condolences may be sent online at www.christensenvanhouten.com

James “Jim” Krueger passed away on January 12, 2023, with his daughter and son-in-law at his side after a brave battle with squamous cell carcinoma. 

Jim was born on September 4, 1939, to Martin and Alberta “Fay” (Davis) Krueger in Maple Township, Battle Creek, Iowa. Jim grew up on farms in rural Battle Creek and attended country school and town school until the 10^th grade. From a very young age, he helped his father farm and raise cattle and hogs in rural Battle Creek. Jim then worked as a hired hand for local farmers and as a delivery driver for an implement company. 

Jim was drafted into the United States Army in 1961 and was stationed in Fort Sill, Oklahoma, as PFC in the artillery unit and as a chauffeur for generals and officers of foreign countries. Jim earned his GED through the US Army in 1963 and was honorably discharged in 1968. 

He married Irene (Bosse) Roecker of Schleswig, Iowa, on February 20, 1969, in Tekamah, Nebraska. Irene had four children and together they had a daughter in 1973. Jim built a home in Battle Creek where they moved in 1976. Jim and Irene were both active in church and enjoyed gardening together. Irene passed away in 2003. 

In 1964, Jim established Krueger Sign Company in Ida Grove, Iowa. He was a commercial sign painter for over 50 years and developed his own stencils and designs. He hand lettered and pin-striped business signs, semi-tractors and trailers, and fire trucks for local fire departments as well as Toyne Trucking in Breda, Iowa, for towns and cities in Iowa and other states. He was later contracted to letter and pinstripe the trolley cars built at Gomaco Trolley Company in Ida Grove, which he said was his favorite work. He sold his shop in the early 2000s after moving a building to his home property and making it into his shop. He took great pride in his work, and he left his mark in the community and surrounding areas.

Jim proudly served on the Battle Creek Fire Department from 1977 to 1990. He was a baptized member of St. John’s Lutheran Church in Battle Creek since 1961.

He loved to plant trees, work in his garden, tinker in his shop and on tractors, and liked antique farm equipment. His motto was “put it in second gear and keep on plowing.” Jim kept a daily journal for many years where he recorded the weather, his workday, pounds of onions and potatoes he harvested each year, and world events. He was the go-to person for anything related to the history of the town and surrounding area. Everyone knew Jim and he was a friend to many.        

Survivors include his daughter Katherine “Kathy” and her husband Todd Cleveland of Sioux City, IA; stepson Bruce and his wife Michelle Roecker of Battle Creek, IA; stepdaughters Gwen and her husband John Nano of Omaha, NE and Tricia and her husband Lynn Peffer of Alexandria, MN; step-grandchildren Alan Roecker and Ashley, Matthew, Tyler, and Aliya Peffer. Jim is also survived by his sister Jean Worrell of Tulsa, OK; brother Joel (Patricia) Krueger of Blue Ash, OH; nieces, nephews, extended family, and many close lifelong friends. 

Jim was preceded in death by his parents; his wife Irene; stepson Douglas Roecker; and brother-in-law Chuck Worrell.