Darryl James Kroeger

Darryl James Kroeger, 80, of Dannebrog, passed away peacefully on Thursday, February 19, 2026, at CHI Health - St. Francis in Grand Island, holding the hand of his beloved wife.

Visitation will be from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. on Friday, February 27, 2026, at Our Saviour’s Lutheran Church in Dannebrog. Funeral Services will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, February 28, 2026, at Our Saviour's Lutheran Church. Pastor Sheri Lodel will officiate. Interment will follow at Oak Ridge Cemetery. Jacobsen-Greenway-Dietz Funeral Home is assisting the family. Memorials are suggested to the family for designation at a later date.

Darryl was born February 11, 1946, in Grand Island to Harvey and Evelyn (Schimmer) Kroeger. Raised in Dannebrog, he graduated from Dannebrog High School in 1964. Shortly thereafter, he answered the call to serve his country, entering the United States Army on August 18, 1964. He was honorably discharged on February 13, 1965, and continued his service in the National Guard until 1970.

On October 26, 1968, Darryl was united in marriage to JoAnne Caspersen in Dannebrog. Together they built a life rooted in faith, family, and the land. They made their home east of Dannebrog, where they farmed side by side and raised their three sons—John, Wade, and Andy. Darryl, JoAnne and the boys milked cows from 1968 to 1994. After they sold the milk herd, they continued to farm and raise cattle. Though time and his health may have slowed his steps, his heart never left the field. He was, and always would be, a farmer.

A devoted member of Our Saviour’s Lutheran Church, Darryl taught Sunday School as a teenager. He lived his faith quietly but steadfastly. Even after the strokes took much of his speech, he made certain to say the words that mattered most: “God is good” and “I love you.” His faith was not only spoken—it was lived. Darryl was also a past member of the Platt-Duetsche Club and served on numerous boards, including those of Our Saviour’s Lutheran Church, Farmers Union, Aurora Co-op, and Mid-American Dairy. He believed in supporting his community and strengthening the institutions that sustained rural life.

He loved sports, especially basketball, at which he excelled. He played team basketball for years and could often be found after chores shooting hoops and playing HORSE with his boys. He rarely missed his sons’ and grandchildren’s activities and was their most faithful fan. He enjoyed watching Husker football, playing cards, traveling on trips and cruises with JoAnne, and sharing a well-timed joke. He had a fondness for John Deere tractors and GMC pickups—tools of both work and pride.

Above all, Darryl treasured his family. His wife, sons, daughters-in-law, grandchildren, and great-grandson were the joy of his life. He lived a life of love. His steady presence, warm humor, and unwavering devotion leave a legacy that will endure for generations.

Those left to cherish his memory include his wife, JoAnne Kroeger of Dannebrog; son John Kroeger of Dannebrog and his sons, Kaleb and Kaden Kroeger; son and daughter-in-law, Wade and Melinda Kroeger of Dannebrog and their children, Morgan Semm, Weston Kroeger, and Wyler Kroeger; son and daughter-in-law, Andy and Ann Kroeger of Dannebrog and their children, Kristen (Jacob) Greenough, Matthew Kroeger, Joseph Kroeger and his special friend, Makenna Beberniss; great-grandson, Edward Greenough; brother-in-law and sisters-in-law, LaJean Kroeger, Diana Shukis, and Marvin and Marlene Caspersen.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his brother and sister-in-law, Harlan and MaryAnn Kroeger; and his brother-in-law, Ron Shukis.