Catherine V. Krueger

After 100 amazing years this world lost a kind and generous soul when Catherine Virginia Krueger of Madison, Wisconsin, passed away peacefully at home on December 4, 2023.  She was born March 25, 1923, in Portage, WI, the daughter of Raymond and Catherine (nee. O’Keeffe) Klenert. 

Cay attended St. Mary’s Catholic School in Portage, WI and UW-Madison where she graduated with a degree in Art History.  She was very close to her aunts and had a lifelong interest in art.

During WWII, she took the bus from Madison to the Badger Army Ammunition Plant where she aided the war effort assembling batteries.  Before she married, Catherine soloed a plane on skis from Morey Field.  It was during her time at UW when she met her future husband as she was walking down Langdon Street with her fellow Pi Phis.  She married Earl Andrew Krueger on September 29, 1945, in Portage, Wisconsin and their adventure together lasted 65 years.

Catherine’s family and faith were the most important things in her life.  She enjoyed all the adventures of her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren.  She never missed an opportunity to remember and celebrate everyone’s birthday, even into her 100^th year.  She was a long-time member of Queen of Peace parish and participated in bible groups well into her 90s.

Catherine and Earl enjoyed many years golfing and playing bridge at Nakoma Golf club.    After her husband’s retirement, they spent winters in Fountain Hills Arizona, where she illustrated birds for the local newspaper.  She was a nature lover and an avid gardener.  She also treasured the time she was able to share with family and friends at their cottage at Crystal Lake.

Cay lived her life with grace and determination.  The twinkle in her eyes and charming wink engaged everyone who was blessed to spend time with her.  The example she set of how to live a good and wonderful life will always be an inspiration to us all.

Cay is survived by her children Georgia Krueger, Raymond (Barbara) Krueger, Lisa (M. Carson) Mettel and daughter-in-law Joann Krueger; 10 grandchildren, Heidi (Kyle) Downey, Zach (Bethany) Nelson, Ira (Marina) Nelson, Alecia (Charleston) Grimes, Eli Nelson, Lindsey (Wyatt) Zamzow, Mike (Rachel) Krueger, Senn (Hayley) Mettel, Quinn Mettel, and Kaden Mae Mettel.  Catherine is also survived by 15 great grandchildren; Samantha, Sabrina, Sadie, Thor, Austin, Preston, Mariah, Cassius, Alexis, Ava, Zack, Dylan, Phoebe, Belle, and Daisy.  Catherine’s presence will also be deeply missed by her special and loyal friend Judy Carey and by family members: Mitch Schlough,  Russ and Emily Sagmoen and their children.

Cay was preceded in death by her husband Earl, her son Earl Jr., twin infants, and beloved son William (Bill).

Catherine’s family would like to express a special heartfelt thank you to her personal caregivers and the caring staff at Agrace.

A visitation will be held Saturday, December 9^th at Our Lady Queen of Peace at 10:00 AM with a Catholic funeral mass at 11:00 AM.  There will be private graveside service for the family.

Memorials can be made to Agrace Hospice or a charity of your choosing.

Cress-Speedway

3610 Speedway Road

Madison, WI 53705

(608) 238-3434