Loralie “Lolli” Krueger  of Third Rail Restaurant in Big Lake finally succumbed to the cancer she had been fighting for 13 years on Jan. 3, 2025.  She passed away peacefully at the home of her parents.

Lolli and her good friend, George Quinn were instrumental in helping to create the large mural that welcomes travelers to Big Lake that is painted on the side of the building that houses the bar that she and her husband Terry “Paul” Krueger own.  If one looks closely, one will see the Third Rail Bar and Grill depicted in blue in the mural. 

Allison Hunsley, the mural artist, said this in an article that appeared in the Patriot on June 29, 2023 after just completing it, “The people I worked with on this project have been awesome.  They’ve been so nice to me and encouraged me as I went along.”

Lolli was always ready to encourage others and be there to support them. Quinn wrote these words about his friend, “Lolli never hesitated giving her support for active military and veterans. First responders were treated with the utmost respect. Lolli instilled this philosophy in her children and every staff member.”  

“Her focus on her business and her family never interfered with her reaching out to lend a hand for her friends,” Quinn continued. “Lolli opened her heart and the Third Rail for every fund-raising request.  The monies raised for charity has been incredible.  Lolli impacted not only her family, loved ones, and friends. Lolli has had an everlasting impact on the entire Big Lake community.  She will leave a void in my heart and all who knew her.”

Police Chief John Kaczmarek issued this statement, “The Big Lake Police Department is saddened to learn about the recent passing of Lolli Krueger. Lolli and the Third Rail Bar and Grill have been gracious supporters of the Big Lake Police Department and First Responders in the area. Notably, during National Police Week, Lolli and the Third Rail would host lunch and dinner for the counties law enforcement partners. We appreciated Lolli’s generosity and support over the years. Our thoughts and prayers go out to Lolli’s family, friends, and all that knew her.”

City council member Ken Halvorson remembers, “She gave a little bit to everyone.”

Friends Tony Rusher and Sherrie Olson explained that Lolli felt it was important to give back to the community.  They said she was always ready to write a check, donate a gift card, or host an event.  Olson said she couldn’t count how many events Lolli was a part of.  

“She gave in quiet moments, when no one ever asked for anything.”

James Pepel, her oldest son, said that the biggest takeaway he got from his mom was, “If you can, do.”  He saw his mom do this throughout his life.  

“She was everyone’s mom,” he said.  

Pepel remembers there was always someone at their house who was being helped. 

Olson believed she helped so many because she had been there once, too.   That is why in so many ways, Lolli was like the mural on the outside wall of the building. The mural reflects both the past and the present of Big Lake.  It’s larger than life, but if you look close enough, you will see details that no one else can see – the Third Rail, Krueger and Pepel Express, the names on the sunflowers to remember loved ones, and the one sunflower with no name on it.  

Many described Lolli as being larger than life and sometimes a little blunt, but if you knew her, you knew she had a big heart that loved her family, her friends, and those who made a difference in the community.  Like the mural, her past determined her present.  Lolli Kreuger was a woman of immense spirit and generosity and she will be greatly missed.