Eugene Gene Floyd Kruckeberg, 78, of Hope, died Tuesday, July 25, 2017 at St. Mary's Hospital. He was born February 12, 1939 in Owatonna, Minnesota the son of Floyd and Dorothy (Pittman) Kruckeberg. He grew up on a farm west of Bixby. He graduated from Dodge Center High School, Class of 1957. Gene began his career on January 1, 1958 at the Bixby Creamery. He was a member of the National Guard and reserves for six years. In December, 1964, he began his career at the Hope Creamery where he was the manager and known as the Hope Butter Maker. On May 1, 1965, he married Lorene Stroup. The couple made their home in Hope and lived in the home provided by the creamery which they purchased in 1967. He was well known for commuting to work on his bicycle. He enjoyed spending time outside keeping up the yard. He has been on a bowling league for years, enjoyed snowmobiling and listening to the radio (Twins, news, and polka music). Gene also enjoyed spending time and close relationships with his brother, sisters, in-laws and friends. He enjoyed interacting with his grandchildren from wrestling on the floor to playing card games. He was a faithful member of St. John Lutheran Church in Owatonna where he served as an usher and the Eagle's Club. He is survived by children, Jill (Loren) Hanson of Danbury, WI and Kent (Keri) Kruckeberg of Kasson; grandchildren, Grace Hanson, Anna Hanson, Celia Hanson, Courtney Holz, Katrina Linzmeyer, Stefan Rechtzigel, Anna Rechtzigel, Caden Kruckeberg and Ian Kruckeberg; siblings, Glenn (Carol) Kruckeberg of Claremont, Patricia (Jim) Hoffmann of Owatonna, Marilyn (Greg) Thomas of Kasson and Nancy (Mark) Dean of Owatonna. He was preceded in death by his wife, Lorene Kruckeberg and parents, Floyd and Dorothy. Visitation will be at Michaelson Funeral Home in Owatonna on Friday, July 28, 2017 from 4-7 PM at church on Saturday one hour prior to the service. Funeral services will be held at 10:00 AM on Saturday, July 29, 2017, at St. John Lutheran Church in Owatonna with Pastor Dave Klawiter officiating. Interment with military honors by the Steele County Military Funeral Unit will be in the St. John Cemetery in Owatonna. Visitation: 07/28/2017 16:00 07/28/2017 19:00 Service: and at church one hour prior to the service. 07/29/2017 10:00