OCEAN BEACH – A stone with a plaque and benches memorializing Steven Krueger was dedicated along the bike path near Robb Field Skate Park on Oct. 11.

The Ocean Beach resident and UPS employee was tragically killed when a plane crashed into his truck in 2021.

Friends, family, and tenants of Krueger gathered in a brief observance to pay their last respects to him on the fourth anniversary of his death. In a display of affection following the ceremony, participants touched Krueger’s memorial stone, reconnecting with their fond feelings and memories of him.

Flowers were placed at the foot of Krueger’s memorial, along with a cup of mocha and donut holes, recalling his passion for coffee and sweets.

“I know Steve would be overwhelmed to know he is being remembered in Ocean Beach, where he made his home for 20 years,” said his brother Jeff, who thanked the San Diego River Park Foundation for helping make Krueger’s memorial a reality.

“He loved the community, nature, and the water, and this memorial, in view of the estuary, is a fitting tribute to his memory.”

Wendy Adelstein, an OB resident who owns The Philosopher’s Stone on Newport Avenue, was Krueger’s long-time friend and tenant. She spearheaded the effort, working with the city, to create a lasting memorial in his memory.

“He was taken from us too soon,” said Adelstein, talking about the immediate aftermath of the news of Krueger’s death. “We were processing the event, and the grief and disbelief, and I thought, ‘Wouldn’t it be great to have a tribute for Steve here in OB? Maybe he could always have a place here.’ That was the goal – and the momentum – to get the project rolling.”

Adelstein approached the San Diego River Park Foundation, a non-profit public-benefit corporation aiming to create a continuous green belt along the 52-mile-long San Diego River, about making a memorial bench donation.

“But (the foundation) didn’t have a place on the river here, so they got in contact with Parks and Rec and that’s how we got the ball rolling on this four-year project,” she said.

“It’s starting to bring back memories,” she added. “I just remember what a great guy Steve was. He was always there for me and others (tenants) on the property that needed him. I’m glad to be able to do this for his family. I wanted to make sure this memorial would be able to give back to the community.”

Adelstein spoke to Krueger the night before his tragic death when he was, characteristically, doing her a favor, taking out her trash. “It was mundane,” she said of their conversation. “I didn’t think I wasn’t going to see him the next day – or forever.”

Asked about Krueger’s memorial plaque inscription that reads “Forever in Ocean Beach,” Adelstein said: “I wanted him to have a place here always. This way, people will be able to come sit and remember him, and his spirit will always be in Ocean Beach.”

Others spoke of his love for sweets.

“Steve had a wicked sweet tooth; it was out of control,” said Jeff Krueger during his eulogy. “I don’t know how he stayed so skinny all of his life. Ice cream was his Achilles’ heel.”

Of Adelstein, Jeff Krueger said: “This is all Wendy’s dream, her idea. She’s the one who dealt with the city and the state. It took about 3 ½ years, and this (memorial) was actually put in last week. It came out really well.

“We lost Steve four years ago, and to this day, people are still remembering him,” added Jeff Krueger. “It means a lot. My family and I come down every year at this time, and we make this a tradition. Everybody still remembers Steve. He was a great guy.”

“Steve would love that he was able to give back to the community like this and provide benches along with this memorial so that people could enjoy the beautiful estuary, which is in Ocean Beach,” said Adelstein.

Steven Krueger was 61 years old when a small plane crashed into his UPS delivery truck while he was making deliveries in Santee on Oct.11, 2021. The plane’s pilot, who had lost consciousness, also died in the crash, which destroyed two homes.  

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