Daniel Lee Krukow

In Loving Memory of Daniel Lee Krukow

Daniel Lee Krukow, age 70, of Rochester, Minnesota, unexpectedly passed away on Saturday, October 10, 2026, near Stewartville, Minnesota.

Dan was born on December 19, 1955, in Spencer, Iowa, to Robert and Beverly Wallington (Lyke). Rochester would become the community Dan called home from the age of one-the place where he grew up, raised his family, built his career, and formed friendships that lasted a lifetime. He graduated from Mayo High School in 1974.

That same year, Dan began his career as a mechanic, starting a lifelong connection with the automotive industry. In 1983, he transitioned into car sales, where he continued to build a career around something he knew and loved. His entrepreneurial spirit later led him to become the sole proprietor of his own business, Rochester Tire and Auto Sales, which he owned and operated for 16 years. He retired from the automotive industry at age 67. Within the past year, he enjoyed working part-time for First Student as a school bus driver.

When Dan wasn't around cars, there was a good chance he could be found outdoors. Fishing was much more than a pastime for him-it was one of his greatest passions. Over the years, Dan participated in many local and regional professional walleye tournaments and was involved with several fishing associations, including NAWA, MWC, FLW, and MTT. He also loved hunting, four-wheeling, and spending time at the McCallson family farm.

Dan's presence in a room was larger than life. He loved sharing stories and memories of times gone by and had the remarkable ability to recall them in vivid detail. Dan could take a memory from years ago and tell it as though it had happened yesterday, happily sharing his stories with anyone who would listen. Through those stories, he shared pieces of his life, his adventures, and the people and places that meant so much to him.

If you made time for Dan, he made time for you. He valued the people in his life and the moments he shared with them. Whether he was telling a story, talking about cars, reminiscing about an old fishing trip, or simply sitting together enjoying each other's company, time spent with Dan was rarely without a story and always left you with a memory.

Above all else, Dan's greatest pride and joy was his family. He was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather who loved his family deeply. He took tremendous pride in his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchild. Nothing meant more to him than knowing they were a part of his life. His love for them could be heard in the stories he told, and in the pride with which he spoke of them, and felt in the time he shared with them.

Dan is survived by his beloved wife of 38 years, Kimberly Sue Krukow (McCallson); his children, Sean and Jennifer (Krukow) Coffin, Jason Krukow, Justin and Amanda Krukow (Reinarts), and Jared Krukow; five grandchildren; and one great-grandchild.

Dan was preceded in death by his parents, Robert and Beverly Wallington; his older brother, Donald Krukow Jr.; and his stillborn granddaughter, Grace Krukow.

The stories Dan loved to tell will now become the stories told about him. They will be shared around dinner tables, on fishing boats, at the family farm, and whenever family and friends gather and remember the man they loved. His larger-than-life presence will leave an emptiness that cannot easily be filled, but it also leaves behind a lifetime of stories, laughter, experiences, and memories for those who loved him to hold close.

Celebration of Life

Family and friends are invited to gather for Dan's Celebration of Life open house at Charlie's Eatery & Pub, 1654 US Highway 52, Rochester, MN 55901, on Saturday, October 17, 2026, from 2:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.

At 3:00 p.m., a prayer will be spoken, followed by a time for sharing memories and stories of Dan. In the spirit of a man who loved telling a good story himself, anyone who would like to share a story, memory, or a few words about Dan is warmly invited to do so.

Flowers and arrangements may be sent directly to Charlie's Eatery & Pub and may be delivered anytime after 11:00 a.m.