Harlin D. Krueger, 80 years of age, of Beatrice passed away on Thursday, April 3, 2025 at Bryan Medical Center East in Lincoln. He was born on July 19, 1944 at Odell to Fay and Donnalee (Beckmann) Krueger. Harlin graduated from Beatrice High School in 1963 and shortly after married Carol Meyer on September 21, 1963 at the First Christian Church in Beatrice. Harlin and Carol moved to Wisconsin in 1965 and returned to Beatrice in 1974. He worked for Behrends Construction before and after Wisconsin and retired in 2007 as a welder for the Hoover Group. Harlin was a member of the United Nebraska Muzzleloaders Association, Patch and Powder Gang, Blue River Regulators, the YMCA and a charter member of the Prairie Blacksmith Association. He volunteered for 28 years at Rock Creek Station where he helped in the blacksmith shop and spent 10 of those years as a Camp Host with Carol. Harlin enjoyed primitive camping, blacksmithing, wood carving, fishing, trap shooting and grilling or cooking for others. 

Harlin is survived by his wife, Carol; daughter, Tammy Oltman and husband David of Beatrice; grandchildren, Dr. Justin Oltman and wife Courtney, Brandon Oltman and wife Angela, Tiffanie Schley and husband Brandon, Taylor Lamb and husband Austin; 5 great grandchildren; sisters, Shirley Essam and husband Brian of South Dakota, Kathy Trisler of Fruita, Colorado; brother-in-law, Daryl Meyer and significant other Cindy Pittman of Adams; sister-in-law, Joan Meyer of Beatrice; and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents; son, Monte Krueger; brothers-in-law, Hank Trisler, Larry Meyer, Dennis Meyer; and sister-in-law, Linda Meyer.

Funeral Services will be held at 10:30 AM Thursday, April 10, 2025 at Harman-Wright Mortuary in Beatrice with Pastor Art Moore officiating. The family suggests casual attire. Interment will follow in the Odell (American) Cemetery north of Odell. Visitation will be held on Wednesday, April 9, 2025 at Harman-Wright Mortuary in Beatrice from noon to 8 PM with family greeting friends from 5 to 7 PM. Memorials are suggested to the family’s choice in care of the mortuary. Condolences may be left online at www.harmanwrightmortuary.com. Harman-Wright Mortuary & Crematory in Beatrice in charge of arrangements.