James Herman Krueger was born January 18, 1935 to Paul and Marcella (Bell) Krueger in Eau Claire, Wisconsin. He was baptized and confirmed at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, Fall Creek.  He attended school in Fall Creek and graduated in 1953. 

Jim began college at the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater and was called to active duty in the United States Navy in 1954. He began his service as a seaman apprentice (SA) aboard the Gearing-class destroyer USS Witek (EDD 848) and was promoted to personnelman petty officer 3rd class (PNT3). Jim’s love of water and beaches deepened as his service took him throughout the Caribbean, most notably Havana. He learned to scuba dive and frequently inspected the hull and propellers on the Witek. After an honorable discharge with the National Defense Service Medal in 1956, Jim remained in the Naval Reserve for eight years. 

After leaving active service, Jim married his childhood sweetheart Marlene May Kromrey at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, Fall Creek on October 6, 1956. The couple lived in Whitewater and Necedah before moving to Winneconne in 1962.

Jim attended the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater and received his bachelor’s degree in Business Education in January 1960 and completed his master’s degree in May of 1970. Jim taught business education for 35 years: first in Necedah, WI (January 1960 to May 1962), and then at Winneconne High School until retiring in May 1995. A tireless provider for his family, Jim additionally worked at Ryf Oil, Co. on weekends, taught night classes at Fox Valley Technical College, and advised the high school photography club. During the summers, he directed waterfront operations at Marble Park in Winneconne. In his retirement, Jim provided lawn maintenance for his son’s business for over 25 years.

Jim is survived by a daughter, Debra Krueger; two sons and daughters-in-law, Wayne and Janine Krueger, Allan and Cindy Krueger; five grandchildren, Matthew (Linda) Krueger, Wesley (Vanny) Krueger, Stephanie Krueger (Steven Acheson), Christian Krueger, and Hannah Krueger; and five great-grandchildren, Dylan Krueger, Charlotte and Benjamin Krueger, and Alex Ruetten and Aldo Acheson.

Along with his parents, Jim was preceded in death by Marlene, his wife of 64 years; a brother, Carl Paul Krueger; and a grandson, Elijah James Krueger.

All throughout his life, Jim enjoyed traveling, and together with Marlene, he saw most of the United States. Favorite destinations included Florida, the Gulf of Mexico, Arizona, Alaska, Hawaii, and numerous local campgrounds. Many of these adventures entailed either the camper or the motorhome with Jim always fearless at the wheel. When the motorhome was not a feasible mode of sightseeing, Jim and Marlene hopped on a number of cruises and planes to enjoy experiences farther afield in Europe or Mexico. Jim furthermore loved hunting (especially bow season), polka dancing, and playing with the farm set and Stomp Rocket with his grandkids.

Jim was a member of St. Paul’s Evangelical Lutheran Church and served as president of the congregation during the 1970s. He was a 35-year member of American Legion Giles-Luce Post 364 and was also a member the Wisconsin Retired Educators’ Association.

A visitation for family and friends will be on Friday, July 21, 2023, from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. at St. Paul’s Evangelical Lutheran Church, 8 S. 4th Street., Winneconne. A funeral service with full military honors will be held at 11:00 a.m. at the church with Pastor Ben Berger officiating. Burial will follow in the Winneconne Cemetery. Mueller Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements. If you wish please submit online condolences to muellerfh.net.

The family would like to specially thank Phil and Molly Johnson, Jerry Schultz, Pastor Mark Albrecht, Pastor Ben Berger, the Vince Lombardi Cancer Center staff, and the caretakers—past and present—at Country Villa, Omro for their care of and compassion for Jim in his final years.