Gene Ellis Krueger was born on December 21, 1931, to Herman and Helen Krueger. He grew up in the town of Pine River near Merrill, Wisconsin, and he graduated from Merrill High School in 1949. He went on to Mission House and Seminary in Sheboygan (now Lakeland University), and he was ordained in his home church, St. Stephens UCC, in 1956.
He was called to a yoked congregation: St. Paul and St. Luke UCC in Alma and Hope UCC in Cochrane, where he enjoyed life next to the Mississippi. It was there that he met and married the love of his life, Gwen Ruben, in 1966. They had a daughter, Sarah, in 1968, and in 1970, they were called to Zion UCC in Sheboygan. Gene was the youth minister, and he touched many young lives through his work there. Another daughter, Leah, completed their family in 1975. In 1978, he was called to Faith UCC in Antigo, where he remained until he retired in 1997. He believed in helping others, and he started a food pantry ministry while he was there. In retirement, Gene also helped serve at Ebeneezer UCC in Stratford, while becoming a member of the 1st Congregational Church at Redgranite. He extended his ministry to the Redgranite Correctional Institution, and he was a member of Habitat for Humanity. He and his wife moved to Bella Vista 4 years ago, and it was his joy to have one last garden in the community gardens on the same block. Gene believed that all people deserve love and acceptance, and he made every person he met feel important and loved. He believed in the power of prayer in action, and he was able to be a positive force in many lives and causes.
Gene is survived by his wife, Gwen, his daughters, Sarah and Leah, and his two sons-in-law (or bonus sons), Dan and Leon. His legacy includes four grandchildren: Brenna, Molly, Ian, and Lauren, who were the absolute joys of his life. He is also survived by many other friends and family who supported him throughout his life.
A celebration of Gene’s life will be on Friday, October 10th at 1st Congregational United Church of Christ at 887 Bonnell Avenue, (east side of Redgranite south of Highway 21). The visitation will be from 9:00-12:00 with a service immediately following. Gene loved to give to others, and his memorial will include giving to several of the food pantries at the churches he served. Please also consider starting a small movement of kindness and generosity by helping people you see in need in his honor. It will be a happy day when the world finds more peace.
Ruminski Funeral Home
920-566-2313
