“That’s where nearly every kid learned to swim – out there at Tom’s swimming lessons.”
The Bordertown community is remembering a well-loved couple that passed away in a car crash last week.
Tom and Margaret Krueger died when their car crashed into a tree on Naracoorte Road on Thursday afternoon.
They were 90 and 85 years old.
Tributes have flowed on social media, commemorating their contributions to the local community.
Contributed to swimming
Mayor of the Tatiara District Council Graham Excell said it was “a tragic passing”.
Mayor Excell said the couple were known for their contribution to the swimming community.
Tom founded the Dolphin Swimming Club in Bordertown in 1970.
“He was very keen on his swimming, so he set up a shed with a heated pool in it,” Mayor Excell said.
“It was a heated pool, you see, that was unbelievable in those days.
“In the middle of winter, trying to go and do swimming lessons, it was absolutely wonderful to have a heated pool to be able to learn to swim in.”
Swimming SA has expressed its condolences to the Krueger family.
In a Facebook post, it said it was “saddened to learn of the tragic passing of long time members Tom and Margaret Krueger.”
“The Swimming SA community would like to express its sincerest condolences to the Krueger family at this sad time.”
Cafe memorial
Bordertown locals have described the accident as “absolutely devastating”.
Facebook: Cafe La Vie
)Kimberly Steuart and Tracy Fromm manage Bordertown’s Café La Vie, where Tom and Margaret would visit almost every morning.
“They would sit, chat to everyone in the cafe.
“It was an everyday occurrence.”
Ms Steuart said the pair had their routine each day.
“Tom would always be slow through the door, he’d stop and talk to everyone, and Margaret would come to the counter order,” she said.
“Just happy people. They’d talk to everyone.”
Ms Fromm said they had arranged a memorial on the table where the Kruegers would normally sit.
She said it was a tough time for the community.
“Absolutely devastating. Lots of people are feeling the same way,” Ms Fromm said.
“We’re thinking of them all [the Krueger family].
“It’s going be tough times ahead, but they’ll all pull through. They’re a close family.”
On the ABC South East SA breakfast program on Tuesday morning, Rob Liddell from Bordertown called in to relay his memories of the Kruegers.
“My wife and I swam out there at Tom’s for 20 years,” he said.
“He also taught our three children to swim.
“They were great nights out there swimming at his pool.”
