As George approached the Pearly Gates, he was met by a host of angels. As expected, he said, “Ah, I see they have the good lookin’ crew working tonight.”
George Krueger passed away peacefully in his sleep at Bethany Home in Waupaca on Thursday, October 10 at the age of 92.
He was born on September 25 or 27, 1921 depending on if you believe his mother or the doctor. Independent until recently, he moved to Bethany Home, Waupaca, WI where the caring staff provided support and concern to both George and his family the last few months.
George joins his wife of over 60 years, Dorothy Krueger, and granddaughter Emma Mancosky. He is survived by daughters, Sarah Krueger (Charles Brendel) and Elizabeth Mancosky (Michael) and granddaughters, Amanda Williams and Hannah Mancosky, and scores of friends.
He had a way of connecting with people, cracking a joke, and putting a smile on everyone’s face. Originally from Wausau, George made friends wherever he went. After serving in the Army and graduating from Lawrence University in Appleton, WI, he lived in Shorewood, Wisconsin. George worked for Sears, managing the Garden Shop, Toy Department, and then managing two outlet stores in the Milwaukee area. An active member of North Shore Presbyterian Church, he was a deacon and ran the successful Strawberry Festival for many years. After retiring in 1983, George volunteered at Columbia Hospital. He was, as he called himself, a “pusher,” someone who pushes the wheelchair for new patients. He was chosen for such an important position because he was so outgoing and made everyone feel at ease. After Dot passed away in 2004, George moved to Waupaca, spending summers at the family cottage and winters in an apartment in town. He loved laughing, walking, feeding the birds, chasing the squirrels, composting, talking to neighbors, and having his 5 o’clock cocktail.
A private service was held, but as per George’s wishes, “Don’t mourn my death, instead celebrate my life,” a farewell party will be held in his honor next summer at his cottage when we crack open his compost bin for the next growing season. George wished that memorials be sent to North Shore Presbyterian Church, 4048 N. Bartlett Ave, Shorewood, WI 53211 or Waupaca Nutrition Center (Meals On Wheels) at Trinity Lutheran Church, 206 E. Badger Street, Waupaca, WI 54981. The Holly Funeral Home of Waupaca is assisting the family with arrangements. Online condolences available at www.hollyfuneralhome.com.