Obit: Krueger, Ruth M. (1922 - 2006)

Contact:  Dolores (Mohr) Kenyon
Email: dolores@wiclarkcountyhistory.org

Surnames: Krueger, Robertson, McCrorey, Jensen, Tubbs, Marks, Kiernan

----Sources: Banner Journal (Black River Falls, Jackson Co, WI) November 8, 2006

Krueger, Ruth M. (February 12, 1922 - November 5, 2006)

Ruth M. Krueger, age 84, of Black River Falls and formerly of Hixton died Sunday, November 5, 2006, at Country Terrace Assisted Living, Black River Falls, under the care of Black River Hospice.

Ruth M. McCrorey was born February 12, 1922, in Mitchell, SD, to Basil and Mary (Robertson) McCrorey. In 1934, during the "Dust Bowl," when Ruth was 12 years old, her family left their drought-stricken homestead near Belvedere, SD, and relocated with relatives (Norman family) in Neillsville (and lived in south Pine Valley township also). Ruth attended schools in South Dakota, Neillsville, Black River Falls and Osseo. She graduated from Lincoln Hills High in Osseo in 1940.

Ruth was an alumnus of the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire. She received a two-year rural certificate in 1942, a bachelor of science in education in 1955 and an MST degree in 1972.

She began teaching in 1942 at the York Valley School at Foster and at the Chimney Rock School. She also taught at several Jackson County schools, including Oak Ridge, Pleasant View, Third Street Elementary School and Forrest Street School. She was a second-grade teacher for most of her 47-year career. Ruth retired from teaching June 1990.

Ruth married Harvey Krueger January 8, 1944, in Alma Center. The couple lived in the Town of Brockway before moving to the Town of Hixton. They were partners with Harvey’s brother, Robert "Tubby," in the operation of Krueger’s Service Station and Krueger’s Taxi Service of Black River Falls. They also farmed near Hixton with their son, Greg, where they raised registered Aberdeen Angus cattle. Harvey Krueger died October 13, 1990.

She enjoyed reading and writing about her family’s experiences during the time that the South Dakota prairie was opened for homesteading. She contributed an article about her family’s story to a book celebrating the 75th anniversary of homesteading in Mellette County. During summers, she and Harvey, enjoyed visiting and renewing friendships in the area where she grew up.

Ruth also enjoyed reading poetry (and sharing poetry with her students), entertaining friends and family at the family cottage at Hatfield and pets. She was always concerned about the welfare of animals.

She was a member of Black River Falls Evangelical Lutheran Church.

Survivors include a son, Greg (Annette) Krueger of Hixton; a daughter, Mary Ann (Charles) Jensen of Hixton; a grandson, Andrew Krueger of Hixton; two granddaughters, Heidi (Scott) Tubbs of Hixton and Heather Jensen of Olema, CA; a sister, May Lou (Arlon) Marks of Wautoma; two brothers-in-law, Robert "Tubby" Krueger of Black River Falls and James Kiernan of Austin, TX; and a sister-in-law, Marge McCrorey of Kenosha.

In addition to her husband, Harvey, Ruth was preceded in death by her parents; a brother, Joseph McCrorey; a sister, Georgia Ann Kiernan; and a granddaughter, Kari Krueger.

Funeral services will be Wednesday, November 8, 2006, at 11 a.m. from the Evangelical Lutheran Church and burial will be in Riverside Cemetery, both in Black river Falls. Pastor Eric Bakken will officiate.

Friends and relatives were invited for visitation from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. Tuesday at the Buswell Funeral Home, Black River Falls, and at the church Wednesday from 10 a.m. until services. Condolences may be sent to the family at: www.buswellfuneralhome.com

Memorials may be given to the charity of the donor’s choice.

Ruth’s family expresses appreciation for the loving care of the staff at Country Terrace Assisted living and the compassionate support of Black River Hospice. Because of her struggles with Alzheimer’s disease, Ruth had resided at Country Terrace since October 2004.