Wonder Lanes to close

For the first time in 57 years, Wonder Lanes' owner LeRoy Krueger is not organizing league bowling at the New Rockford bowling alley this fall.

Wonder Lanes has been closed since March 15, the day Governor Doug Burgum ordered schools to close due to the novel coronavirus. LeRoy told the Transcript Tuesday, Sept. 1 that due to health issues and the ongoing threat of COVID-19, he does not plan to reopen the downtown business.

LeRoy and his wife Pat have both worked hard to keep the bowling alley open, amid major health concerns. Pat battled congestive heart failure a little more than three years ago. Then, on Aug. 2, she suffered a major heart attack from which she is still recovering. LeRoy says the potential of him becoming infected with the virus through community spread is enough cause for distress, but the thought of bringing it home to Pat is even more worrisome.

In January LeRoy got his leg caught in a machine at the bowling alley, but was able to shut the machine off before it caused serious damage. It was one of many signs that he couldn't keep performing the work for too much longer. The results could have been disastrous, adding to LeRoy's own list of health challenges.

LeRoy needs shoulder surgery. However, doctors are concerned that the procedure may put undue stress on his heart. The surgery will likely be performed in Fargo, with cardiologists at the ready in case he experiences distress during the procedure.

Right now all league bowling has been suspended. That means no bantam, junior, mens, womens or mixed leagues until further notice.

More than 4,000 youth have bowled in Wonder Lanes' junior league over the past 52 years. Last year alone the junior league had 67 bowlers, all in their stride before the bowling alley was shuttered by Burgum's executive order due to COVID-19. With dozens of area bowlers, of all ages, hoping to get back into the groove of weekly competition, LeRoy says this doesn't have to be the end for the local bowling alley.

That's true, although as of now a successor has not come forward. The business was put up for sale a decade ago, and it sat on the market for more than two years with little interest.

As they say, times change. This time around maybe things will be different. The reopening of the iconic Wonder Lanes hinges on a little community intervention.

To anyone interested in reviving it- now is the time.