It was almost four years ago that a UPS delivery driver was killed on his route when a small plane crashed in Santee. Now, a new memorial is almost ready in Ocean Beach, the place he called home.
Steve Krueger, 61, never missed moments to make a memory.
“I just want Steve remembered for what he was: a great guy,” Jeffrey Krueger, the victim’s brother, told NBC 7 on Thursday night from his home in Orange County.
The family is preparing for the dedication of a nearly completed memorial on the fourth anniversary of Steve Krueger’s death. It’s located next to the Robb Field Skate Park.
“I think it is great. It looks really cool,” Jeffrey Krueger said.
Building the memorial along the bike and walking path was no accident. Steve Krueger lived just a couple of blocks from there. He was an avid outdoorsman and loved water sports.
He was killed at Jeremy and Greencastle streets in Santee on Oct. 11, 2021. He was sitting in his UPS delivery truck when a small plane crashed into it. Two homes on the street were also destroyed.
“It was tough. It hit. My kids really took it hard. Steve didn’t have kids, but he was like the really fun uncle,” Jeffrey Krueger said.
Jeffrey Krueger says Steve Krueger’s caring and kindness for family and friends inspired one of his first tenants, Wendy Adelstein, to lobby the city, state and donors to get the memorial finished. It’s been a labor of love for the last three years.
The plaque is centered in a large stone with two stone benches on either side.
“He’ll always be remembered for a long time,” Jeffrey Krueger said.
In life, Steve Krueger certainly knew how to make a memory. In death, his memory is etched in stone. The memorial dedication is scheduled for Oct. 11. Family and friends are planning to be there for the ceremony.