Nathaleen E. Krueger

Nathaleen Emma Florene (Bloch) Krueger, 87, passed away peacefully in her sleep on Tuesday, January 9, 2024, at Aspirus Wausau Hospital. Nathaleen was born May 23, 1936, in Hamburg, Wisconsin, to the late Leo and Rosie (Mootz) Bloch. She was baptized as an infant and confirmed her faith in Jesus Christ as her Lord and Savior, on April 2, 1950, at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Hamburg. Nathaleen attended grades 1-8 at the Barney School in Hamburg and graduated with honors from Merrill High School in 1954. After graduation she worked as a secretary at Church Mutual Insurance Company in Merrill until she was married. Nathaleen married Leroy Krueger on October 3, 1959, (her parent’s 25th wedding anniversary), at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Hamburg and they spent 60 years building a wonderful life and family together. He preceded her in death on August 21, 2020.

Nathaleen was a devoted stay-at-home wife and mother who also babysat many other children in their home. In the early 1970’s, Leroy and Nathaleen took over the operations of Lee’s ARCO and then later Lee’s Mobil. They then relocated and opened Lee’s Mobil Service on the corner of East Main and Center Avenue until they retired after 35 years in August 2001. Nathaleen was an important “behind the scenes” part of the service station taking care of all the bookkeeping and other integral facets of the business.

Nathaleen had a kind and generous heart who deeply loved her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Nathaleen made sure the Krueger home was always filled with love, good food, had an open door and seat at the table for everyone. She took great pride in her children and grandchildren’s accomplishments, watching them play baseball and softball, and most importantly spending family time together. She was an avid Milwaukee Brewer fan. Nathaleen was the true definition of the term “family matriarch” and her children and grandchildren loved and cared for her beyond measure. She will be deeply missed by her family, but her legacy of love and togetherness will forever live on in each of them.

Nathaleen is survived by her children, Kevin (Terry) Krueger, Cindy (Jeff) Artus, Ross (Beau Singthong) Krueger, Jason (Sandy) Krueger, Hugh (Fran) Krueger, Chad (Renee) Krueger, and Ryan (Michelle) Krueger; grandchildren, Matthew (Katrina Depies) Krueger and Daniel (Emily) Krueger, Jeff (Megan Cyrtmus) Artus, Jordan (Kayle Savaske) Artus, and Emily Artus, Caleb (Kayli Petrowski) Krueger, Hailey and Madisyn Krueger, Taylor and Courtney Krueger, Kendall and Charlee Krueger, and Miley and Abbie Krueger; and great-grandchildren Henry and Josie Krueger. Nathaleen is also survived by her sister-in-law and brother-in-law, Carol and Allen Koehler, and several cousins, nieces and nephews. Nathaleen is preceded in death by her husband, Leroy, her parents, Leo and Rosie Bloch; an infant sister, Nathalie Bloch, mother in-law and father-in-law, Arnold and Ruth Krueger; and brother-in-law and sister-in-law Lavern and Joanne Krueger, and many dear aunts, uncles and cousins.

Nathaleen’s funeral service will begin at 11:00 am on Tuesday, January 16, 2024, at Trinity Lutheran Church, 107 N State Street, Merrill, Wisconsin. The Rev. Scott Gustafson will officiate. Burial will take place at St. John’s Lutheran Church Cemetery, in the Town of Hamburg. Visitation will be from 4:00 pm until 7:00 pm on Monday, January 15, 2024, at Taylor-Stine Funeral Home, Merrill, and again after 10:00 am Tuesday at the church. The Taylor-Stine Funeral Home, 903 E 3rd Street, Merrill, is assisting with arrangements. Online condolences may be made at www.taylorstinefuneralhome.com.