James Charles Krueger was born November 15, 1928, in Polar, Wisconsin and passed away Thursday, April 18, 2024.

James “Jim” met and married the love of his life Joanne Novak in 1952. A short time later, Jim was drafted into the U.S. Army and stationed at Fort Sill, Oklahoma. He was honorably discharged in 1955 and returned to the Antigo area to take over the family farm. After selling the farm in 1963, Jim and Joanne relocated to Winneconne in the same year. Jim was then employed with the Winnebago County Highway Department, from which he retired. He was a member of the American Legion Post 364, National Rifle Association and life member of the Pickett Steam and Gas Engine Club. Jim enjoyed collecting and restoring antique Minneapolis Moline tractors, boating, water-skiing, snowmobiling, hunting, traveling, country music and most of all, family gatherings. He had a very deep and special love for all his family, especially his many grandchildren.

He will be deeply missed by his surviving wife of 71 years, Joanne; son Jeffrey Krueger; daughter Jaymie Wilde (Ken); step-grandson Carter; granddaughter Sarah Blashe (Brandon), great- grandson Wyatt Blashe (Monica) with great-great-grandchildren Cayden, Bryer and Sage, great-granddaughter Sydney Blashe (Gene); granddaughter Meghan Brehmer (Chad) with great-granddaughters Mya (Alex), Elyse and Emery; granddaughter Jeana Meyer (Jesse) with great-grandsons Brayden and Kamden. Jim is also survived by his sister Eunice Srbeny of Antigo; a special cousin Jesse Rose (Lori); special nieces and nephews Greg Krueger (Karen), Gerry Srbeny (Lonnie), Beth Safer (Gary), Jenny Myrick (John).

He was preceded in death by his parents Robert and Clara; brother Robert Jr. and sister-in-law Barbara; brother-in-law Eugene; and nephew Donald.

The family would like to thank the staff at Ascension Mercy Hospital and the Compassus Hospice staff for Jim’s wonderful care. A special thank to both Pastor Kevin for visiting Jim in the hospital and his kind support to the family, and Mueller Funeral Home for their assistance during this difficult time.

A visitation for family and friends will be on Wednesday, April 24, 2024, from 10:00 a.m. until 12:00 noon at Lord of the Lakes Lutheran Church 6090 Harbour South (corner of Hwy 116 and Harbour South) Winneconne. A funeral service will be held on Wednesday at 12:00 noon at the church with Pastor Kevin Heffernan officiating. Military honors will follow. Interment will be at a later date in the Winneconne Cemetery.

Mueller Funeral Home-Winneconne (920) 582-4242 is assisting the family. If you wish, please submit online condolences/memories to muellerfh.net.