Obituary of Donald L. Kruml

Kruml Donald

Donald Kruml, 85, of Yankton, passed away Sunday, August 18, 2024, at the Sister James Care Center in Yankton. Memorial service will be 10:30 am, Tuesday, August 27, 2024, at the Opsahl-Kostel Funeral Chapel in Yankton with Rev. Bob Lacey officiating. Visitations will be one hour prior to the service at the funeral home. Burial of Donald’s cremated remains will follow at Sacred Heart Cemetery in Yankton. Following the burial, a luncheon will be served at the funeral home. Online condolences may be sent at www.opsahl-kostelfuneralhome.com. Opsahl-Kostel Funeral Home and Onsite Crematory is assisting the family with arrangements. Live streaming may be found at: https://server.attend.live/static/event/2k9qv.

Don was born in Grand Island, Nebraska.  He spent his younger years in Council Bluffs, Iowa, where he found his love for fishing, hunting, and gardening.  He attended Iowa State University and received his degree in horticulture.  In 1960, he began his career in Shenandoah, Iowa at Henry Field’s Seed and Nursery.

In 1962, he moved to Yankton where he worked at Gurney's Seed and Nursery.  During his time at Gurney's, he held many roles including president and eventually owner of the company. Don cared deeply about the employees both personally and professionally.  He admired their hard work and dedication.  Over the 37 years of his time at Gurney’s, he touched the lives of many people. 

Don had a favorite pal, his cat, George, who was always by his side.

He loved gardening, his yard, and no one could grow better tomatoes.  

Don was a kind and generous man.

Don is survived by his best friend and loving wife, Meredith, five wonderful children, Randy Kruml (Nikki St. Mary) Colchester, Vermont, Jane Logan (Rick) Grand Island, Florida, Susan Kruml (Larry Van Bogaert) Elkhorn, Nebraska, John Kruml (Karen) Union, Kentucky, Tricia Malik (Doug) Loveland, Colorado, and three wonderful stepchildren, Brent Kaylor (Michelle), Garden Grove, California, Kimberly Kaylor (Michael Boucher) McKinney, Texas, and Lynsey Branaugh, Arlington, Texas. 

He also leaves behind 20 grandchildren (Heather, Christopher, Jenni, Andrew, Kristin, Laura, Cameron, Madison, Carson, Amanda, Alyssa, Brendan, Baylee, Ashley, Leighton, Gavin, Meredith, Jaymee, Eddie, and Jim) and 14 great- grandchildren (Devin, Dylan, Gavin, Marcus, Ethan, Noah, Kaleb, Millie, Logan, Willa, Leo, Sutton, Elodie, and Lucy) who he deeply loved.

Don is survived by two sisters, Rita Johnson, Madison, Wisconsin, and Helen Bees, Fountain Valley, California, a sister-in-law, Joan Kruml, Omaha, Nebraska, and many beloved nieces and nephews.  

He was preceded in death by his father, Dr. Joseph Kruml, Sr., mother, Helen Kruml, brother, Joseph Kruml, Jr., and grandson, Samuel McElroy.

Words cannot express how much he will be missed.