Gerald C. Krueger

Gerald C. “Jerry” Krueger, 90, of Eden, died peacefully on Monday, December 7, 2020 at home surrounded by family.
He was born on February 23, 1930 in Kewaskum, WI to Allan and Viola (Kantner) Krueger Sr., the sixth of 12 children.
Dad grew up on family farms in Kewaskum, Campbellsport, and St. Killian. He attended school through eighth grade, then went to work for the family milk hauling business. Dad was an avid history buff with special interest in the American Indian Wars and WWII, and took special pride in being a lifetime member of the Custer Battlefield Preservation Committee of Hardin, MT.
In November 1948, Dad enlisted in the U.S. Army, stationed in Alaska, Washington, California, and Germany. After two enlistments, he returned to Wisconsin, but on a whim one night decided to drive with an acquaintance to California. He then hitchhiked to Seattle, where he met his future wife Carolyn Gilman when he almost ran her over while she was out walking. It was love at first sight; after four dates, he proposed. They were married on May 8, 1959, in Tillamook, Oregon. Together they started their family there. In 1970, they moved to Wisconsin, eventually settling in Campbellsport. Dad worked for Mercury Marine from 1970 until retirement in 1995.
Dad’s many hobbies included coon, fox, and deer hunting; woodworking, handcrafting everything from dressers to jewelry boxes; fishing; gambling; gameshows; crosswords; poker; Packer games; and golfing. He especially enjoyed road trips to South Dakota and Oregon.
One of the most meaningful moments in Dad’s life happened in 1992 when he was united with his firstborn, Uwe, his son he had never met who grew up in Germany. This was a pivotal moment in Dad’s life and changed him forever. Family truly is Dad’s legacy.
Jerry is survived by his wife of 61 years, Carolyn; four daughters, Sheryl (Thomas) Gellings, Carol Will, Robin (Thomas) Ostergaard, and Jerri (Thomas) Krueger-Moore; daughter-in-law Helga Krueger Conrad; 13 grandchildren, Sebastian (Manuela) Krueger, Fabian Krueger, Melissa (Dave) Kutil, Nicole Gellings, Holly (Charlie) Labarca, Kimberly (Ben Pankratz) Gellings, Laurel (Jarod) Kohrt, John Will, Ashley (Felix) Cruz, Tyler Weeks, Brittney Weeks, Elle (Avery) Henne, and Austin Moore; 15 great-grandchildren; three sisters; and his kitty, Mitzy (Baby).
Jerry was preceded in death by his parents; his son, Uwe Krueger; his father- and mother-in-law, Levi and Margaret Gilman; a son-in-law, John Will; three brothers; and five sisters.
A private service will be held Friday, December 11, 2020 at Shrine of Rest Mausoleum, Ledgeview Cemetery. Military Funeral Honors will be rendered followed by entombment.
Our family thanks Agnesian Health Care Hospice and Drs. Litman, Tuveson, and Lilly for the care they provided Dad.
Additional information and guestbook can be found at ueckerwitt.com