Donald Joseph Kroeger was born on November 15, 1943, in Monroe, Michigan. He was the only child born to the union of Louis Kroeger and Christine (Ellerman) Kroeger. Donald attended Monroe High School, graduating with the class of 1961. The year following high school on September 10, 1962, Don enlisted in the United States Navy serving during the Vietnam War. After bravely serving his country, he received an Honorable discharge on May 12, 1967. He returned to school to complete his education, earning a bachelor's degree in business from the University of Toledo.

On August 19, 1967 in Portland Maine, Donald married Betty Cobb and together the couple were blessed with the birth of two children: Heidi and Gerald. To provide for his family, Don was employed for more than thirty years as an electrician for the JR Whiting Power Plant in Luna Pier, Michigan. He retired in 2004.

Growing up poor, Don learned to be frugal at an early age. His Type A personality showed through everything he did from his time in the Navy, to swimming, to working. An accomplished swimmer, he took fourth place in the Senior World Olympics, where the freestyle was his best event. Don loved spending time at his home in Tennessee. Being a skilled handyman he painstakingly rebuilt the structure by himself. Donald loved watching old Western movies, especially ones that starred John Wayne and eating green beans with vinegar. He was a member of the Monroe Veterans of Foreign War Post 1138.

Donald Joseph Kroeger, age 82 of Monroe passed away on Thursday; January 8, 2026, at the Regency, a Villa Center in Taylor, Michigan. His passing was preceded by his parents: Louis and Christine Kroeger.

To cherish his memory, he leaves a daughter: Heidi (Ryan) Haynes of Monroe; a son: Gerald Kroeger of Monroe; his former wife; Betty Kroeger; five grandchildren: Tessa (Tim) Kleman, Makenzie Brown, Brittany Kroeger, Codee Kroeger, and Trevor Scaggs; and three great grandchildren: Sophia Parrish, Naomie Scaggs, and Oliver Scaggs.

Friends may gather from 2:00pm until 7:00pm on Monday; January 12, 2026, at Merkle Funeral Service, North Monroe; 2442 North Monroe Street, Monroe, Michigan 48162. (734) 384-5185. A Celebration of Don’s Life will begin at 7:00pm also at Merkle’s. Military Honors will be provided under the auspices of the Monroe Veterans of Foreign War Post 1138 Ritual team. Cremation will take place through Covenant Cremation of Erie, Michigan, a division of Merkle Enterprises, Inc. Once cremation has taken place Don’s cremated remains will be buried at sea under the direction of the United States Navy.

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