Paul F. Krueger

Paul F. Krueger

June 21, 1933 - June 8, 2025

Paul was born on Wednesday June 21st, 1933 and was raised on the Krueger Family Farm. He married the love of his life, Elaine Donna Tetzlaff, on June 12th 1956. Shortly after, they purchased their first home near Lake Winnebago, where they began to raise their young family. In 1977, they built their dream home on the Apple Creek, where they finished raising their family and corgis always roamed the yard. Paul instilled his passions for the simple things that gave him joy into his children, grandchildren and great grandchildren; spending time with family, gardening, fishing, hunting, camping, traveling, reading, listening and playing music. At the heart of all things, faith in God guided Paul through all life’s journeys.

Paul lived a life of service in his churches, a Korean War Veteran, blood donor, little league coach, and snowmobile safety instructor. Paul had a distinguished career at Thilmany (International Papers), where he worked for 41 years, retiring at the age of 59 as a Process Manager-Maintenance Mechanical and served on the Board of Control. He was known for his remarkable ability to fix almost anything, and if you were interested, he would gladly teach you along the way.

Soon after retirement, he traveled the country and abroad with his best friend and co-pilot Elaine, always with a faithful corgi by their side. They traveled to all 50 states and found many spots they loved and returned to, making friends that lasted his lifetime. The Southern States held special meaning and like clock-work they would arrive every winter. While there, they celebrated the 1997 Green Bay Packers Super Bowl win at the Broke Spoke in Kiln Mississippi with Brett Favre’s family. They found beauty in Shearwater Pottery in Ocean Springs Mississippi, collecting many treasures to bring a little of the South back home to Wisconsin. There were also many trips to visit family in Texas and Florida. Paul’s other favorite destination was Alaska, he and Elaine spent 3 months exploring every nook and cranny they could get to in their motorhome.

They also travelled four times to Europe with family and friends. During one of his first journeys abroad to Germany, Paul was mistaken for a local in Eppisberg, a bus full of tourists disembarked to take his picture while pushing a wheel-barrow full of manure. He thought it was quite comical! This was also where they came home with their love of German cuisine, especially german tomato salad (with Maggi - everything tastes better with Maggi) and weiss beer. The Beaches of Normandy had a deep impact on Paul, he was moved due to his deep respect for all military service members. Seeing Monet's Gardens while in France, gave him joy beyond measure due to his love for all things green and growing.

After all of their travels, Paul and Elaine enjoyed many years together on the Apple Creek. You could find Paul in the garden picking vegetables, in the kitchen making homemade tomato juice, cooking and freezing applesauce, and grinding horseradish to share with family and friends. He enjoyed spending time on his John Deere Tractor, whether it was tilling, mowing, or snowblowing. Paul and his tractor got the job done until he was 83 years old. He spent many evenings around the table playing cards with close friends into the wee hours of the morning. Paul could also be heard playing his button accordion that he brought home from his travels to Germany, which he taught himself to play as an adult.

He is survived by his loving wife of 68 years, Elaine (Tetzlaff) Krueger. His children Paula (Bill) Pahl, Julie (Lee) Schulz, and Amy (Jeff) Krueger-Thede. His grandchildren Nicole (David) Schreck, Matthew (Ashlee) Pahl, Jenny Krueger, Rebecca Krueger, Nathaniel Krueger, Amanda Krueger, Emma Houghton, Johanna (Mitch) Douglas, and Seth Bemis. His great grandchildren Peyton Schreck, Paige Schreck, Ashton Pahl, Owen Pahl, Miles Douglas, and Ember Houghton.

Paul was preceded in death by his son John (born Steven John) Krueger. By his parents Emil and Irene Krueger. His father-in-law and mother-in-law Leland and Viola Tetzlaff. His siblings Earl Krueger, Carol Ross, Mark Krueger, Marjory Tsuda, and Ruth Blackburn.

Paul was a man that was truly one of a kind, he was a man who never met a stranger. He gave love, friendship, humor, and wit to all who knew him. The stories and shenanigans are endless and we wish we could share them all. We will miss him always. A Funeral Service will be held on Wednesday, June 18th, 2025 at 11:00 am at St. Peter Evangelical Lutheran Church located at N2740 N French Rd, Appleton, WI 54913. If you are unable to attend Paul’s service please join us for lunch at church at noon to help us celebrate his amazing life. In Lieu of flowers; a memorial fund has been established in Paul’s name.