With heavy hearts, we announce the passing of Dustin James Kruckenberg. A beloved son, husband, father, grandson, brother, and uncle who passed on Sunday May 17th.

Dustin was born on May 12, 1992 in Ogden Utah to Veronica Proffit and Dan Kruckenberg. His early years were filled with participating in ranch work in Kemmerer and riding horses. Dustin took his ranch work seriously, and was dependable to always have animals fed and taken care of. A trait which he carried through his lifetime. Growing up, he loved spending time with is grandparents, particularly his grandma and helping her with whatever she needed.

He attended school in Kemmerer from preschool to 12th grade, where he graduated from Kemmerer High School in 2010. He then attended Western Wyoming Welding program where he obtained several Welding certificates. He had a successful career in welding, it was his passion. He was a perfectionist and excelled at everything he attempted.

Dustin and his wife, Kelsey, were married in Afton WY in June of 2015. Dustin and Kelsey always had a strong pull to each other. They were high school sweethearts and had been together since they were 16. They bought a house in Evanston in 2015. Tiggin was born in 2017 and Jade in 2023. Dustin, Kelsey, and Tiggin spent time traveling while Dustin was pipelining then came home to “settle down” when Tig started school.

Dustin loved horses and everything to do with them. He loved working on the family ranch doing anything and everything that would keep him busy, from working with yearlings to trailing cows and fixing horse trailers by welding. He was a huge support to his family on the ranch. He loved spending time with his siblings and his mom and Clint doing work on the ranch. He loved when Tig was able to participate in those things also. Leatherwork and braiding were another passion he had great skill at.

He also had a passion for wresting, winning a state title his senior year of high school in 2010. His newfound passion before he passed was coaching his son, Tiggin, in wrestling. Dustin spent hours in the wrestling room and on the bleachers coaching and watching his brothers Donny and Roany. He and his dad shared a passion for guns, shooting, and reloading, which they would talk about for hours.

He enjoyed spending time with his children, who he adored. Tig’s name comes from his favorite type of welding, tig welding. He loved teaching them tricks of his trade, and loved to instill work ethic within them. Jade had him wrapped around her finger, he adored her.

Dustin will be missed dearly. He is survived by his wife Kelsey, two kids, Tiggin and Jade Kruckeberg, parents Veronica (Clint) Proffit, Dan (Tina) Kruckenberg, grandmother, Kathy Davison, siblings, Donny, Sorrel, Roany, Jhett (Lyndsie) Proffit, Jennifer Krall, and Ryan Sparks. He is also survived by cousins, nieces and nephews, aunts and uncles.

Funeral service will be May 26th at the LDS stake center in Kemmerer WY. Family visitation will be at 9, followed by the funeral service at 11. Graveside services will be at the Davison Ranch.