Thomas Walter Krueger

Thomas W. Krueger, 76, of Odessa, Florida, passed away January 17, 2018, with his family by his side. Tom will forever be remembered by his Wife, Patricia (Pat); Sons, Jeffrey (Marelyn) Krueger, Kalamazoo, Michigan; Robert Krueger, Lutz, Florida; Timothy Krueger, Land O’ Lakes, Florida; Spencer Krueger, Lutz, Florida; Todd (Luci) Krueger, Lutz, Florida; Grandchildren: Elliott, Scout, Zachary, Addison, Ayden, Chase, Bryce, Calleja, Skylar, and Carson Krueger; Sister, Carole Clark, Saginaw, Michigan.

Tom led a fulfilled life beginning with his childhood on a farm in Saginaw, Michigan. He owned and operated Krueger Machinery Company, locations in Saginaw, Flint and Novi, Michigan, and founded KERCo Rental Co. of Saginaw, Flint, Novi, and Alpena, Michigan. In 1982, Tom’s ventures led him to Tampa, Florida, where he founded Rentalex Tools and Equipment, which grew to become one of the largest independent equipment rental businesses in Southwest Florida.

What started out as a hobby 10 years ago became one of Tom’s greatest passions and a gift to so many others--raising, training, and breeding registered Sicilian Miniature Donkeys at his farm, Brayfields, in Odessa, Florida. Tom enjoyed having his donkeys participate at local events that gave back to the community. Visitors were always welcome at Brayfields where Tom would introduce his award-winning donkeys by name.

Being amused by how intelligent and funny the mini’s personalities were, Tom was inspired to write children’s books. Farmer Tom, as he was known to children, traveled with his prized donkeys to schools and libraries to read and share his stories. One of Tom’s greatest rewards was spending time with groups of special needs children at Brayfields.

A celebration of Tom's life is scheduled for April 14, 2018 from 1-4PM at Brayfields Miniature Donkey Farm, 17801 Patterson Road, Odessa, Florida 33556. Should friends desire, contributions may be made to JDRF- Juvenile Diabetes, www.jdrf.com/‎