David Francis Kroeger

David Francis “Cooter” Kroeger, age 72, of Hays, Kansas passed away peacefully on Sunday, June 30, 2024, at his home. He fought a long ten year battle with his lung cancer.

He was born December 2, 1951, in Hays to Joseph J. and Margaret (Wasinger) Kroeger. He married LeAnne (Hoffman) on June 3, 1988, in Hays.

David was a truck driver for over 40 years and before he retired the last eight years he hauled fuel for the Cerv’s Convenience Stores. He grew up and attended school in Ellis, Kansas, moved to Hays in 1977, and attended the Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church. He was a veteran of the US Navy serving in the Vietnam War. He enjoyed riding his Harley Davidson, playing softball for Club 3, golfing, and having a beer with his friends. He had an immense love for his family and his two grand kids.

David is survived by his wife, LeAnne, of the home; his daughter, Janae Atkerson and husband, Craig, Hays, KS; his grandchildren, Rylee and Reanna Atkerson; his sisters-in-law, Linda Kroeger, Lawrence, KS; and Paula Kroeger, Hays, KS.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Joseph and Margaret; his brothers, Verlyn “Slats” Kroeger; Gary Kroeger; Jim Kroeger; and his sister, Mary Kay Wellbrock,

 A Celebration of Life service will be held at 10:30 A.M. Friday, July 12, 2024, at

Cline’s-Keithley Mortuary of Hays with Father Nick Parker officiating. A family rosary will be said at 10:00 A.M. Friday. 

Inurnment will be at the St. Joseph Cemetery Hays, Kansas with Military Honors by the Hays V.F.W. Post # 9076.

The family will receive friends from 9:00 to 10:30 A.M. Friday, at Cline’s-Keithley Mortuary of Hays.

In lieu of flowers the family suggests memorials to The Dreiling-Schmidt Cancer Center in care of Cline’s-Keithley Mortuary of Hays, 1919 East 22nd Street, Hays, Kansas 67601.

Condolences can be sent via e-mail to clineschapels@gmail.com or can be left at guestbook at www.keithleyfuneralchapels.com