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- Lois Ann Krueger
On September 1, 2012, the world lost a grand woman. Lois Ann (nee Deschler) Krueger, age 86, succumbed to her death from natural causes. Lois was a woman of great heart who lived an ordinary life filled with hard work, simple truths, good humor, common kindness, and unconditional love.
Lois was born October 18, 1925 in Hilbert, Wisconsin and moved to Appleton as an infant in 1926. She grew up on Spring Street (moving to State Street while in high school) the daughter of the late Edward J. Deschler, Sr. and Elizabeth (Nilles) Deschler. Lois attended St. Joseph Catholic School, graduated from Appleton High School in 1943 and attended Lawrence College (University). On June 14, 1947, she married the late George W. Krueger, Jr. at St. Joseph Catholic Church.
Lois worked at Tel-Sec Inc. for many years. She also ably manned the crossing guard duty at the corner of Mason and Commercial for generations of Lincoln Elementary School students, by whom she was much beloved. Lois also served as President of Wisconsin Electric's Employee Mutual Benefit Association EMBA Auxiliary.
Those who had the pleasure to know Lois will remember well, what a marvelous conversationalist she was and how well read she was. She was a superb writer and contributed marvelous family reminiscences and stories to the family archive. She had a keen interest in history and enjoyed serving as a docent at the Hearthstone. Lois loved live theater and performed in many plays, but she mostly enjoyed being part of the audience. Lois was a proud member of the Appleton High School Class of 1943, (there is simply a special bond among the Class of '43). She served on the class reunion committee and never missed a reunion, nor ever forgot the 9 classmates the Class of '43 lost in WWII. In 2002, she served on the Appleton High School World War II Memorial Committee.
As a child of the Great Depression, Lois never dreamt she would become a world traveler visiting many countries throughout the world. Lois enjoyed traveling and through the years toured Great Britain, France, Italy, Russia, China, Mexico, Canada, Vatican City, Morocco, Israel, ancestral areas of Germany, and extensively throughout the United States.
Lois loved and excelled at being a mother of her large family, each and every one sharing her love and motherly warmth. She was the "ringmaster" of her family and the glue that held us together. Her devotion as a wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother, and her kindness to all, will long linger as a fragrant memory in the home her presence so brightened. Lois's profound love of family, God and community and her zest for life are an enduring legacy to those who are left behind.
Lois was unfailingly there for her family and friends in their times of need. Faithful to a life of charm, grace, and generosity, she was ever ready with anything from smiles and sound advice to theatre tickets and family shindigs. People liked being with Lois; she was bright, engaging, interesting and absolutely fun to be around. She was as good of wife, as good of mother and as good of friend as the good old city of Appleton has known (or ever will know). While she will be deeply and sorely missed by her family and friends, she will be warmly and richly remembered as a wonderful mother, sister and friend, who lived well, laughed often, loved much, and left the world far better than she found it. Lois had a long and wonderful life and she was very lucky (as was her family), you see, because she knew her family loved her and she returned that love in full measure.
Lois was member of St. Joseph Catholic Church for 85 years. She had a profound appreciation and affection for the St. Joe's Community and happily volunteered her services for a variety of duties including serving as a lector, a member of Catholic Daughters and as secretary and president of the Ladies of St. Joe's, and was instrumental in inaugurating the annual St. Joe's Fall Festival celebration.
Lois and her late husband George built a life with honor, dignity, unconditional love, and caring. Seven children filled her life along with 15 grandchildren and 8 great-grandchildren. Left to honor her memory, accept her wisdom, and remember her good humor and laughter are her children: Kathy Faas of Windsor, Wisconsin and Mike Faas of Muscoda, Wisconsin; Jim and Lori Krueger of Appleton; Gary and Edie Krueger of Stanley, Wisconsin; Brian Krueger and Lori Caygill of Madison, Wisconsin; Mary Lou and Dave DeBraal of Appleton; and Debbie and Duane Dougherty of Menasha; grandchildren: Emily, Eliot (Beth Will) and Nora Faas, Joshua (Sarah), Tyler (Lauren) and Alex (Becky) Krueger, Kari (Ryan) Lewandowski, Anna Larson, Kyle Krueger, Jordan (Karen Soik), Ryan (Mellisa) and Laura DeBraal, Zach, Zoey and Zeke Dougherty; and great-grandchildren: Kayleigh, Kirsten, Karter and Mason DeBraal; Dane and Nolin Faas, Ayden Krueger and Ella Lewandowski, and two step-grandchildren: Pedro Puente and Andy Leon. Also surviving are sisters: Dorothy Belongea of Lambertville, Michigan; Ruth Fumal of New Milford, Connecticut; Donnis (Marty) Van Domlen of Appleton; a sister-in-law Evelyn Deschler of Appleton; and a brother-in-law: Dale (Mary) Krueger of Manitowoc. She is further survived by many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. Angels soaring with her spirit are husband, George Krueger, son, Jeffrey Krueger, grandchild, Andrew Dougherty, brother, Edward J. Deschler Jr. and sisters, Inez Deschler Nichols, and Marie Deschler Manzagol.
The family would like to thank the wonderful staff of St. Elizabeth Hospital, Dr. Schelble, Rennes Health Care Center, Phil and Gina from Affinity Hospice, and the loving care of the Home Helpers. We especially want to thank caregivers Michele, Katie, Britney, Joyce, Lisa, Stephanie, Kristen, RN Katie K., and Dennis. We were blessed by their presence and with their unfailing support and assistance; we were able to bring Mother home, where she wanted to be.
The Funeral Liturgy for Lois will be held at 10:30 AM on Wednesday, September 5, 2012, at ST. JOSEPH CATHOLIC CHURCH, 410 W. Lawrence Street, with burial following in St. Joseph Catholic Cemetery in Appleton. Friends may call Tuesday, September 4, 2012, at the Wichmann Funeral Home from 4:00 PM until 7:00 PM and Wednesday at the Church from 9:00 AM until the time of Mass. In lieu of flowers, a memorial is being established. Online condolences may be expressed at www.wichmannfargo.com.
Mother taught us that "Life isn't about waiting for the storm to pass; it's about learning to dance in the rain."
And she taught us all about love--And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love. ~ 1 Corinthians 13:13
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1925 - 2012 (86 years)
