Gerald Burlin Kruger

Gerald Burlin “Jerry” Kruger, age 86, of Wrenshall, MN, passed away on Sunday, July 5, 2026, at Essentia Health St. Mary’s Medical Center in Duluth, MN.

Jerry was a man of many names, Jerry to his friends and family, Daddy and Dad to his children, Jer-Bear to his stepdaughter, and Honeybun to the love his life, his wife Janie.

Jerry was born on November 14, 1939, in Superior, WI, the son of the late Burlin and Frances (Bellino) Kruger. He was raised in Superior, WI, and graduated from Central High School in 1957. Always known for his work ethic, he worked as a pin setter at the bowling alley as a teenager and then went to work on the boats crossing Lake Superior at age 17. He did that for a couple years until seeing a 20 ft wave made him think of work back on dry land. He went to work at the oil refinery in Superior, WI, for nearly 10 years. He then went to work for the B&N Railroad and DM&I Railroad for 30 years, retiring as a conductor. He also owned Sportsman Bar and Lanes in Winter, WI, and Jerry’s Old Town Bar and Grill in Superior, WI. Never one to be idle, he also fixed golf carts in his retirement.

Jerry married Janie Harris nee Wicklund on December 12, 1992, at JM Paine Presbyterian Church in Carlton, MN. They made their home in Wrenshall, MN. In his free time, Jerry enjoyed golfing, gambling, and traveling. He and Janie enjoyed being snowbirds and going to Florida for 20 years, visiting Las Vegas, New Orleans, Canada, Niagara Falls, and many other places.

Jerry is survived by his wife, Janie Kruger; children, Debra VanTassel and Randy (Peggy) Kruger; stepdaughter and the baby, Lisa (Jeff) Stauty; and brother, Mike (Dot) Kruger; as well as many nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, Burlin and Frances Kruger; and sister, Dianne Isaacson.

A Celebration of Life for Jerry will be held at 11:00 am on Tuesday, July 14, 2026, at Atkins Northland Funeral Home in Cloquet, MN, with a time for visitation 1 hour before the service.