Douglas N. Krueger

Douglas N. Krueger, 97, passed peacefully, surrounded by his family, on Sunday, June 5, 2022, at Marshfield Medical Center, Weston.

He was born April 27, 1925, in Wausau, Wisconsin, son of the late Edward and Josephine (Kmen) Krueger.  On September 24, 1949, Doug married Jane “Janie” Shepanik, the love of his life, at St. Mary Catholic Church, Wausau.  They became charter members of St. Anne Catholic Church in Wausau in 1950. 

Doug and Jane were blessed with 70 wonderful years of marriage.  Their love, devotion to family, and a deep Christian faith were the foundations for their lives and those of their children and entire family.  Jane preceded Doug in death in 2020.  He missed her every day.

After his graduation from Wausau High School in 1943, Doug was drafted into the United States Navy at age 19.  He attended Great Lakes Naval Training Center in Illinois and received naval aviation ordnance training in Oklahoma.  Doug served aboard the aircraft carrier Bon Homme Richard (CV(N)-31) as a navy aviation ordnanceman – an aircraft weapons specialist – in the Pacific Theater during WWII.  His most vivid memory was sailing into Tokyo Bay shortly after the formal surrender in September 1945, with the American flag proudly waving.                  Doug’s bravery for our country was evident in all aspects of his life. 

Doug began his technical education in carpentry and drafting after the war, entering an apprenticeship which led to a long and successful career as a master carpenter.  He belonged to Carpenters Local 310 and was an honored member for over 70 years.                                                                       

Of all his professional and personal carpentry work, the project that meant the most to Doug is the special house he designed and built in 1955.  It is the cornerstone of Doug’s legacy as a builder.  The house became a treasured family home that now holds a lifetime of cherished memories and remains a home to grateful family members.       

Doug’s greatest joy was doing anything with or for his family, including fly fishing, camping, birding, gardening, watching Packer football, travelling – especially to Florida, and producing inventive creations in his workshop.  Doug always took the opportunity to teach, whether by word or by example.

Doug is survived by three daughters, Barbara (Robert) Zimmermann, Patti (Steve) Baerenwald, and Karen Beets; two sons, Michael (Debra) Krueger, and Timothy (Mary) Krueger; twelve grandchildren, Matthew (Jaime) Zimmermann, Sara Zimmermann, Jeremy (Renee) Zimmermann, Erin Zimmermann, Jennifer (Nic) Schmeiser, Jamee Baerenwald, Jessica (Jason) Bentley, Diana (Jordan) Tronier, Samantha (Travis) Salter, Emily Beets, Kristin (Barry) Heier, and Danica (Andy) Szekeress; and twenty two great-grandchildren, Mallory, Jessa, and Jasmine Zimmermann, Cruz, Waverly, and Finn Zimmermann, Cailyn Schmeiser, Alyssa (Travis) Biever, William and Cameryn Bentley, Gabriel, Jacob, and Joshua Grant, Veronica and Vanessa Salter, Benjamin and Michael Quam, Isaiah, Evan, and Faye Heier, Cooper and Claudia Szekeress, and many nieces, nephews, and special friends at Pride TLC assisted living.

Besides his wife Jane and parents, Doug was preceded in death by one brother, Edward “Eddie” Krueger, an infant son John Krueger, one infant great-grandchild Annistin Zimmermann, as well as several aunts, uncles, and cousins.

The family would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to all who helped care for Doug, including the doctors and staff at Marshfield Medical Center - Weston, the entire staff at Pride TLC, his nurse and entire team at Compassus Home Health Services, Lakeland Care, Aspirus at Home, and his physician and staff at Marshfield Clinic, Stettin Center.                                                                                           Doug would often refer to you as his angels, and we will be forever grateful.   The funeral Mass will be celebrated at 12:00 p.m. (Noon) on Tuesday, June 14, 2022 at St. Mark Catholic Church, Rothschild.  Rev. Allan L. Slowiak will preside.  Entombment will follow at the Memorial Chapel Mausoleum, Restlawn Memorial Park, Wausau with full military honors conducted by the American Legion Post No. 10, Wausau.  Visitation will be on Tuesday from 10:00 a.m. until time of services at the church.

Peterson/Kraemer Funeral Home, 1302 Sixth Street, Wausau is in charge of arrangements.  Online condolences may be expressed at www.petersonkraemer.com