Joanne Krueger

Joanne Mae Krueger, age 82, of Merrill, Wisconsin, passed away on Friday, August 12, 2022, in Wausau, Wisconsin. She was born on April 23, 1940, to the late Alfred and Clara (Borchardt) Vandre in Merrill, Wisconsin. On September 13, 1958, Joanne married her husband Lavern Gene Krueger who precedes her in death.

Joanne was an avid quilter, sewing hundreds of quilts for others. She also enjoyed gardening and tending to her raspberry patch. She farmed most of her life and worked at Walmart for 20 years. After retiring she continued volunteering at Merrill’s St. Vincent de Paul.  She was a hard worker and incredibly generous.

Her family describes her as the best mother, grandmother, and great grandmother. She was the most loving, giving, calm, unbiased, accepting, and faithful to God woman you could ever meet. She would always say, “Pull up a chair, let’s visit,” no matter how busy she was. Time spent with her family and friends was her favorite pastime. She consistently loved and supported her grandchildren, and she loved surprising them with homemade treats and small little treasures.

Joanne was a joy and comfort to be around, and she will be dearly missed by her friends and family.

Joanne is survived by her children: Randy (Ann) Krueger of Merrill, WI, Mark (Gail) Krueger of Tomahawk, WI, and Linda (Richard) Foster of Freeburg, IL, siblings: Joyce Ninneman of Watertown, WI, Alan (Cindy) Vandre of Merrill, WI, Beverly Kloos of Beaver Dam, WI, Richard (Kathy) Vandre of Merrill, WI, Leroy (Lorri) Vandre of Merrill, WI, and Betty (Mike) McGraw of Gleason, WI, sister-in-laws: Carol (Allen) Koehler and Nathleen Krueger, grandchildren: Karlie and Adam Kunkel, Zach and Abbi Krueger, Lucas, Jacob, Timmy and Nathan Foster, Katelynn and Walter Krueger, Colton and Kyle Cook, and great grandchild Kaden Scott.

She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, Lavern Krueger, children: Gene Krueger and Joni Kunkel, infant sister, Barbara Vandre, grandchild Andy Kunkel, and brother-in-law Leroy Krueger.

A memorial service will take place on Friday, August 19, 2022, at 11:00 am at Immanuel Lutheran Church in the Town of Corning with Pastor Joel Danner officiating. A visitation will be held on Thursday, August 18, 2022, from 5:00 pm to 9:00 pm at Waid Funeral Home and again on Friday, August 19, 2022, from 9:00 am until the time of service at the church.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Immanuel Lutheran Church designated organ fund in memory of Joanne.

Waid Funeral Home and Cremation Service of Merrill is assisting the family with arrangements.  Online condolences are encouraged and may be made at www.waidfuneral.com.