The Kerkhoven Fire Department has announced the passing of firefighter Derek Krieger.

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of DEREK JOEL KRIEGER, age 21, died Monday, May 18th, following a car accident last week. Derek was born on October 29, 1998, at Swift County-Benson Hospital in Benson, Minnesota, the son of Grant and Cindy (Holtkamp) Krieger.  He grew up on the farm in Pillsbury Township, attended elementary school in Murdock and graduated from KMS High School on June 4, 2017. He lived for three things: family, farm, and friends. Derek left an impact on the heart of every person he met. He was involved in 4-H, FFA and wrestling. Through FFA Derek had the privilege of traveling to West Virginia, Indianapolis, Norway and Ireland. On Monday morning a Bald Eagle flew past his hospital window, and later that day, he made his final trip!  He partnered with his brother, Jared, and farmed along with their parents, Grant and Cindy.  He was a member of the Deer Hunter’s Association and was a member of the Kerkhoven Fire Department. He was baptized on December 6, 1998 and confirmed on October 25, 2015 at Kerkhoven Lutheran Church where he attended Sunday school and was in Luther League.

Surviving are his parents, Grant and Cindy; siblings: Casey (and fiancée, Jordan Myers) Krieger of Ada; Jared (and fiancée, Baillee Hauser) Krieger of Kerkhoven; Alison (and fiancé, Nick O’Connell) of Beresford, SD; and Lauren Krieger of Kerkhoven.  Maternal grandparents, Roger and MaryAnn Holtkamp of Kerkhoven as well as many cousins, aunts and uncles. He was preceded in death by his paternal grandparents.

Memorials may be given to the Kerkhoven Fire Department.

There will be a “drive-in” funeral 10:30 am, Friday, May 22nd in a hay field north of the family farm near Kerkhoven.  People will be asked to remain in their vehicles for the service.

Firefighter Krieger will be will have his final ride home by the Kerkhoven Fire Department.

Funeral:
Date: Friday, May 22, 2020; 10:30 a.m.
Location: The Krieger Family Farm near Kerkhoven
TYPE: II ACTIVE, NON-LODD

All Minnesota firefighters are invited to support the Krieger family and the celebration of his life. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the family asks you to remain in your vehicles for the service.