Longtime volunteer, former Flathead County Commissioner Gary Krueger dies
HANNAH SHIELDS | Hagadone News Network | UPDATED 12 months AGO
Gary Krueger at his home. (Daily Inter Lake FILE)
RURAL GOVERNMENT REPORTER, REPORT FOR AMERICA Hannah Shields covers rural government and accountability reporting for the Daily Inter Lake and Northwest Montana weekly papers as part of the national Report for America program. Her reporting focuses on transparency, public spending and the impact of local government decisions on small communities. Shields has covered issues ranging from school district finances to development disputes and rural infrastructure projects. She regularly uses public records and investigative reporting to examine institutions that affect local residents. Her work helps bring greater oversight and visibility to rural government across Northwest Montana. IMPACT: Hannah’s work strengthens transparency and accountability in rural communities that often lack consistent watchdog coverage. | August 24, 2025 12:00 AM
Former Flathead County Commissioner Gary Krueger died Aug. 6 on his family farm in the West Valley. He was 66 years old.
Krueger successfully ran to represent District 3 on the Flathead County commission in 2012. His campaign focused on streamlining the permitting process, promoting job growth and businesses, and reducing zoning regulations.
Commissioner Pam Holmquist remembers Krueger as a guy who always had a smile and liked to joke around. She holds great respect for anyone who runs for public office.
“I think he took the job really seriously,” Holmquist said. “I think he did his homework.”
Krueger also had a keen eye in monitoring the county’s budget, thanks to his previous experience overseeing school district budgets in West Valley. In a 2013 interview with the Daily Inter Lake, Krueger wanted to ensure county money was spent on services that didn’t compete with the private sector.
“I have a philosophy that the government is there to provide those services that aren’t readily available in the private sector,” Krueger said. “I always ask myself, ‘can that be privatized?’”
Community service was a passion for Krueger.
Before he was elected as county commissioner, Krueger volunteered at the West Valley Fire and Rescue Department, served on the West Valley School Board, West Valley Land Use Advisory Committee and the county Board of Adjustment.
He was known around the community to be a big tease, according to his obituary. Krueger enjoyed starting arguments with his friends just to get a rise out of them.
He is survived by his wife, Jessica, along with his children and grandchildren.
When not farming or beekeeping, Krueger worked for Marriot Concrete and managed the A1 batch plant before starting his own company, Flathead Valley Concrete, according to his obit.
Reporter Hannah Shields can be reached at 758-4439 or [email protected].
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