Darrell E. Kruger, 75 of Eau Claire passed away on Monday, October 24, 2016 at Dove Healthcare-West with his family by his side.
Darrell was born on June 25, 1941 in Eau Claire, Wisconsin to Melvin Theron Kruger and Helen Irene Yarrington. Darrell grew up on a small produce farm with his two brothers and two sisters. Together, as children, they sold their produce to the community of the Jeffers Road area. He graduated from Eau Claire Memorial High School in 1960 and later attended California State University Fullerton while working at Disneyland. After college, Darrell served in the U.S. Army and was stationed in France. He returned to Eau Claire and in 1968 married his wife, Carol. Darrell made a career in various sales positions and later retired from the State of Wisconsin. He later returned to work part-time with the City of Eau Claire Parks and found his true passion maintaining and landscaping Rod and Gun Park. He enjoyed spending time with his dog, doing yard work, gardening, and cutting wood. Darrell was an avid sports fan and especially enjoyed watching the Packers and Badgers. 
Darrell is survived by his wife, Carol Kruger; his son, Branden (Jodi) Kruger; two granddaughters, Alexis and Ariah Kruger; and his brothers, Robert (Phyllis) Kruger and Rodney (Rosemary) Kruger.
Darrell was preceded in death by his parents, Melvin and Helen Kruger; sister, Donna (Kruger) Wells; and sister and brother-in-law, Judy and Jim Johnson.
A Celebration of Life will be held on Friday, October 28, 2016 from 4:00 to 8:00 pm at Smith Funeral Chapel. Burial will be at a later date.