William "Bill" Kruckman

William "Bill" Kruckman died Thursday, August 15, 2019 at Johnson Memorial Care Center in Dawson at the age of 62.

Funeral service will be held on Wednesday, August 21, 2019 at 11:00 AM at Our Saviors Lutheran Church in Montevideo.  Rev. Donald S. McKee will officiate and interment will be at Sacred Heart City Cemetery.

Visitation will be held on Tuesday from 6-8:00 PM at the Anderson - TeBeest Funeral Home in Montevideo with a prayer service at 7:30 PM.  There will also be visitation at the church for one hour before the service on Wednesday.

William (Bill) Kruckman, better known to some as Wilbur, was born June 13, 1957, to Albert and Bernice (Lalim) Kruckman in Granite Falls, MN. He was baptized at Granite Falls Lutheran Church and confirmed at Clarkfield Lutheran Church.

Bill attended elementary school in Hanley Falls through sixth grade and completed his education at Clarkfield High School in 1975. During a difficult family situation in his early childhood he was fortunate to be placed in foster care for a brief time with Bud and Gretchen Dotseth, and was immediately accepted by his foster siblings Connie and Bob. Throughout the years, they have shared their family with Bill, forming a bond as a second family together.

Bill was known as a very hard worker and had different employers throughout his life. He helped his neighbor Bob Heimark in Clarkfield with farming, was a General Dryer with Charlie Heimark, AMPI in Clarkfield and Dawson for 37 years, and most recently at Walmart in Montevideo.

He married Vicky Grussing in Benson, MN, in October 1986, and together they were blessed with three children. Bill enjoyed his family and was so proud of his children, grandchildren, and a list of friends too long to write out that he was happy to call extended family.

Bill loved fishing and often ventured out on fishing trips with his brother-in-law Jerry. He enjoyed going to the casino, lawn mowing, going to the races, and of course, his Buick cars. He had a unique way of making everyone feel important; even on his last days, birthday and anniversary cards were always sent, family sports games were listened to on the radio, and ”‘I love you’s” never went unsaid. His willingness to ensure all others needs and wants were met before his own never went unnoticed and his compassion for others was unmatched. His kind heart and generosity were what made Bill so special, and it was not uncommon to find hidden cash tucked in your bag to cover a nonexistent debt he felt he owed.

He is survived by his children: Benjamin Kruckman of Hanley Falls, MN, Joshua Kruckman of Hanley Falls, MN, and Cassandra Kruckman of Litchfield, MN; grandchildren: Hunter Olson, Kyle Jones, and Katie Kruckman; siblings: Betty Jensen, Madison, SD, Beverly (Jerry) McClain, Garretson, SD, Jane (Greg) Flinn, Montevideo, MN, Harold (Diane) Kruckman, Montevideo, MN; along with many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; foster parents; brother, Albert Kruckman; sister, RoseMarie Haase; and his beloved cat Lardbutt.

Blessed be his memory.