He married Barbara Dau on June 7, 1952 at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Bennington, Nebraska and to this union four daughters were born: Paula, Pam, Jonna and Janelle. Don and Barb raised their family in Omaha, Bennington, Elkhorn and Valley.

Don served his country from 1953 to 1955 with the US Army, 24th Infantry Div. His service included 17 months in Korea, during which he received numerous decorations. Upon his return home from the service, Don worked as a homebuilder in the late 50’s and early 60’s. From 1960 to 1973 he organized and managed drag racing. In 1970, Don started Kroeger Precast, an architectural precast concrete company. This concept was new and Don personally wrote the book on processing and finishing. He has received many national awards for manufacturing excellence.

Don became involved with thoroughbred horses in the 1990’s and received National Awards for breeding and racing. First in 1991 with a mare “Falls Amiss” and again in 1995 with “Dazzling Falls”. Dazzling Falls is the all time leading money winner for a Nebraska bred horse with earnings of over $900,000, seven stakes race victories and ran in the Kentucky Derby and was rated in the top ten 3 year olds in the country.

Don retired from Architectural Precast in 1992 and continued to enjoy hunting, fishing and horseracing. He always loved to have the family gather at their home, whether it was a special occasion or not. Don is remembered by his family as a quiet visionary leader and mentor to many in the business community. He believed in hard work and humbly served his Lord and church with faith in action through a variety of ways.

Don passed away at his home west of Valley on Tues., May 17, 2003, after a long illness, with his family at his side.

Note: Taken from funeral card.