Gary Dean Krueger

1958 - 2025

Gary Dean Krueger, 66

God recruited the Flathead Valley's best Beekeeper August 6, 2025. Gary Krueger, devoted son, husband, father and friend, passed at the age of 66 at home on his farm, exactly where he wanted to be.

Gary was born November 27, 1958, in Kalispell, MT. Growing up Gary was involved in sports, 4-H and FFA. During college he was a MSU Bobcat, but his college days were cut short when he was called back to the farm to tend to his cattle. His passion was working side by side with his father, Kenneth, from spring planting to fall harvest. During the winter they were busy feeding cattle and waiting for the calving season to begin. The family raised chickens, hogs and cattle. Gary loved to engineer things which resulted in moving a gravel pit elevator and refurbishing it into the family grain elevator along with many other projects.

Gary married Julie Stonehocker, however, due to an illness their time together was tragically cut short, but he was blessed with three sons that he raised on the family farm.

Gary was well known for being the "big tease" of the Valley. He would start arguments with his friends just to get a rise out of them and then a wry grin would befall his face, letting you know it was all just for Gary's entertainment. Gary's teasing ended when his friend Gene from the fire department instigated a bet that resulted in Gary meeting and falling in love with Jessica. Soon after, Jessica and Gary were married and their daughter, Carissa, was born. Jessica was Gary's best friend, partner, the love of his life, two peas in a pod, and soul mate. Their quiet devotion was obvious to those who knew them; no words needed to be said- it was as though their hearts spoke to one another. They lived life working side by side on the farm creating a successful agriculture career and later a booming honeybee business. On the rare occasion that they didn't work, Jessica's love for horses brought Gary to accompany her into many mountain lake camping and fishing trips with the entire family.

Like most farmers, maintaining the farm meant working more than one job. Gary was very industrious. He worked for Marriot Concrete and managed the A1 batch plant, turning that knowledge into starting his own concrete company- Flathead Valley Concrete. The fruits of that labor can be seen around the farm, with various stamped concrete approaches and curbed landscaping pockets.

Gary loved to give back to his community! He volunteered at the West Valley Fire Department and West Valley School Board. Gary's passion for the well-being of the community led him down the same path as his father, when he was elected county commissioner. While having no formal education in land use, Gary's land use knowledge was superior to that of most lawyers and formally trained experts in the field. He was not a politician; all of his decisions were based upon research, thoughtful reflection, and a deep desire to ensure future generations benefitted from decisions made today. His candor was refreshing but blunt and Flathead County is a better place because of his contributions.

The past four years he had the time of his life being his grandson Stetson's, "Papa." They enjoyed harvesting the fields together in the combine, digging dirt in the excavator and spending the winters together in a little warmer climate. Gary was teaching Stetson to be a "big tease just like him." The smiles on both their faces while they were together would melt your heart.

Gary was preceded in death by his father Kenneth Krueger, sister Kelly Craig and first wife Julie Krueger (Stonehocker).

He is survived by his wife, Jessica, daughter, Carissa Stoner (Casey) and grandchildren Stetson and Lainey, sons Derek Krueger (Kristen) and grandchildren Meeka, Tristan, Jonathan, Trent Krueger (Stephanie) and grandchildren Lexi, Kaden, Ryan Krueger (Taylor) and grandchild, Caleb, his mother Betty Krueger, Brother-in-law Jeff Craig and nephew Steven Craig.

In lieu of flowers the family requests memorial donations be made to the University of Florida IFAS Honey Bee Research and Extension Lab. Gifts may be made online at https://ufgive.to/Krueger or by mail (payable to UF Foundation, memo: Gary D. Krueger to UF/IFAS, PO Box 110170, Gainesville, FL 32611). If you need assistance making a gift, contact UF/IFAS Advancement at 352.392.1975 or advancement@ifas.ufl.edu. Johnson-Gloschat Funeral Home is caring for the family.