Gary W. Krueger

Gary W. Krueger, 73, of Waterloo, passed away on Friday, September 11, 2026, at Columbus Health and Rehab after a brief fight with cancer, surrounded by his loving family.

Gary was born to Violet (Krueger) and Jerome Riege in August 1953 and had two siblings. Early in life, he married Lynn (Langer) Sullivan, and together they had two daughters. Following their divorce, Gary was united in marriage to Deborah “Deb” (Ittner) Thurnbauer at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Waterloo and gained three sons. Together, they raised their blended family for more than 30 years.

Gary attended St. John Ev. Lutheran School for K-8th grade and was a graduate of Waterloo High School.

Gary was known throughout town as an exceptional auto mechanic. He was a Chevrolet Certified Technician, and his career spanned more than 40 years, working at Denny’s Sunoco Gas Station in Marshall, Stokes Chevrolet, and K&B Auto in Waterloo. He had a particular talent for rebuilding carburetors. People knew that if their car was giving them trouble, he was the person to call.

Gary had a lifelong love of cars and especially enjoyed taking his Camaro to car shows. For 18 years, he served as the MC for the local Wiener and Kraut Day Car Show. He was also a proud member of the Watertown Auto Club.

Gary’s love of automobiles extended to racing, which began when he was a young man. He was actively involved in local auto racing and enjoyed being part of the excitement and camaraderie that surrounded the sport. That passion stayed with him throughout his life. In his later years, Gary found just as much joy in supporting his grandson in go-kart racing. He was a proud and enthusiastic crew chief, and together they brought home many trophies. Racing was more than a hobby to him; it was a lifelong passion that connected generations of his family and created memories they will treasure forever.

Gary was also a strong supporter of the Waterloo American Legion. He was always willing to lend his time and energy. Whether washing dishes, delivering food on dinner nights, or placing flags on gravesites for veterans, he spent many hours supporting the organization and serving the community.

A true handyman, Gary was blessed with many God-given talents and a remarkable ability to figure out how to build, repair, or improve just about anything. He took great pride in his home and spent countless hours remodeling, landscaping, and making it a place he and his family could enjoy. Gary had a gift for working with his hands and found great satisfaction in seeing an idea come to life through his own hard work.

Gary especially cherished the simple, everyday life he shared with his wife, Deb. They enjoyed spending their days together, working around their home, visiting with family and friends, and simply enjoying each other’s company.

Gary loved gatherings where everyone could come together and make memories. His children and grandchildren held a very special place in his heart, and he proudly supported each one of them. Gary’s greatest legacy will be the love he gave his family, the friendships he built, and the countless people whose lives he touched simply by being himself.

Gary is survived by his wife, Deb; his children, Kelly (Rory) Thurnbauer, Courtney (Will) Brandt, Derek (Jenelle) Thurnbauer, and Joshua (Jill) Cirillo; his grandchildren, Dylan, Keira, Brenden, Sienna, Avery, and Asher; and his siblings, Shirley (Dean) Jaeger and Jerry (Cheri) Riege. Gary is also survived by a number of nieces, nephews, aunts, cousins, a sister-in-law, and many friends.

Gary was preceded in death by his parents.

A Funeral Service will be held at 3:00 p.m. on Friday, September 25, 2026, at St. John Ev. Lutheran Church of Waterloo, with Rev. James Adomeit presiding. Visitation will be held from 1:00 p.m. until the time of service at the church. Burial will follow at Washington Cemetery in the Town of Portland.

If desired, memorials in Gary’s name may be made to St. John Ev. Lutheran Church and School.

The Pederson-Nowatka Funeral Home is caring for the family. To place an online condolence, please visit www.pn-fh.com.