Staff photo by Travis Rosenau From left to right, Victoria Torvick, Brad Krueger and Dean Torvick pose for a photo inside Concordia Lanes/Kegel Klub. Krueger became the new proprietor in early July.

NEW ULM — Brad Krueger is currently wrapping up his first month as the new proprietor at Concordia Lanes/Kegel Klub.

And while the first month may not have been a “perfect game” for Krueger in the sense that he admits there are still many things for him to learn, he is enjoying each minute of the experience and is happy to be where he’s at.

“It’s been good, it’s been really good,” Krueger said. “It seems like every single day I’m learning something new. And I know with time, I’ll get adjusted to it, I’ll have more of a routine, but right now it’s a little bit much. But it’s all exciting at the same time, it’s an adventure.”

Krueger, a 2010 New Ulm High School graduate, has big shoes to fill in place of previous owners Dean and Victoria Torvick, with Concordia Lanes/Kegel Klub being in their family for 64 years. Victoria’s father Joel Albrecht was the previous owner.

Krueger said owning Concordia Lanes/Kegel Klub was a dream he’s had for years.

“I started working here part time in 2006 and I was hired here as a manager in 2016 after I left Bethany [Lutheran College]. And then Dean approached me back in February, March, because when I was hired on as a manager, I kind of told him that one day it was my dream to own this place. Then he approached me back in February and it was all history from there.”

Dean Torvick said he’s always had Krueger in mind to step into this role when he and his wife were ready to step down.

“I always told Brad that I would give him the first shot at it when the time was right,” Dean Torvick said. “And the time is right. I knew it was time to get on to some other things.”

Dean Torvick said being owner was getting tougher for him over the past few years due to various health problems and he’s always been one that wants to give his 100% at all times.

“I’ve always been somebody that is head-on and keep going fast and forward and doing stuff, and it got to the point where it just wasn’t enjoyable for me anymore,” he said. “It needed some new blood.”

Victoria Torvick also said after making it through the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 and getting back on track, it was a good time to ask Krueger to step in.

“We made it through the pandemic with God’s help,” she said. “And then things were kind of on the upswing and then it was time to ask Bradley.”

Dean Torvick said he started working at Concordia Lanes/Kegel Klub when it was at its previous location in 1980 on Broadway.

“That was in June, so that was three months after Andrew was born, our son, so that’s kind of a big memory for me just getting that up and running,” Dean Torvick said. “And then also out here, the task of getting everything going out here after we merged everything. We didn’t purchase it, her dad did, Joel Albrecht, and Jim Witt purchased it.

“But just getting everything going out here was going to be a task because everything was so run-down. Those are some of my best memories and also with the remodel we did in ’91, watching one of our employees hang over a rock just to dig out the last thing of dirt in order to get the plumbing through from over there to the street [laughs].”

Victoria Torvick said there were multiple amusing memories that she and her husband experienced in there time as owners.

“And all those quirky things,” she said. “It’s not just one thing, it’s like, ‘Oh, this happened,’ and you laugh and you giggle or you tell somebody and then it’s off to the next thing. It’s been a lot of that really.

“And then the wonderful people that we have, our customers. I’ve said to somebody, ‘They come in as customers and they leave as friends.’ And personal friends because they’re with us for so many days and years. So it’s just, like, ‘You’re our friend, you’re as close to family as family can get.'”

Dean Torvick said he and his wife would still be there for Krueger anytime he had questions.

“He’s still got a few questions here and then, and we’ll be there for him as long as he needs it because we want him to succeed,” he said. “Bowling’s been a big part of New Ulm forever. This is one of the better bowling towns in the state for sure. And we just want him to succeed and that’s always been the way we’ve been — when someone needs help, you help them.”

Krueger also said he had a lot of help from family to make this new venture possible.

Leagues are now forming also at the bowling alley, with availability in men’s, ladies and mixed leagues. Those interested can sign up with a team or individually. If interested, call 507-354-2923.

One special offer currently at Concordia Lanes/Kegel Klub is that all league bowlers get two free games per day during the month of August. Fall volleyball sign-ups are also starting soon at Kegel Kourts, while fantasy football draft specials and NFL Sunday specials will occur during the football season. There is also a fall bean bag league starting this October.

For more information, visit www.concordialanes.com or visit the new Facebook page by searching Concordia Lanes-Kegel Klub.