Gerhard Werner Krueger
July 23, 1927 - July 22, 2007
Obituary
Gerhard Werner Krueger
Age 79, passed away on June 22, 2007 of cancer. A 40 year resident of Federal Way, he worked as a butcher/sausage maker all of his life. A member of UFCW local 174 in New York and local 81 in Washington, a work injury forced early retirement.
Gerhard was born on July 23, 1927 in Nahrstedt, Germany. Losing his mother at the age of 12, he was forced to rely on the kindness of others until he entered an apprenticeship to become a butcher. In 1947, he escaped to West Germany where he later met his true love, Lucie, on March 17, 1950 at a spring dance for refugees in Ottersberg, West Germany she had escaped East Germany in 1949. They were married on August 25, 1951 and immigrated to New York in 1953. In 1967, the decision was made to move wife and sons to Washington. A friend had moved here and spoke of all the mountains and natural wonder. This reminded him of where he had grown up, and he felt this would be a better place to raise a family.
Husband, father, grandfather-there was nothing which came before family. He coached and refereed youth soccer as well as being a scout leader in the 60’s-70’s. He liked to work in the garden as well as paint ceramics. He enjoyed spending weekends with wife Lucie at Lake Arrowhead near Shelton where he was close to nature. Gerhard was a member of the Plattdeutscher Verein German Club in Seattle for over 25 years and a long time member of the Frohsinn Men’s Choir. He liked to watch soccer and enjoyed watching Animal Planet and nature shows on television.
A heart attack and prostate cancer survivor, Gerhard suffered a major stroke in 2005 which left him unable to walk without assistance. This did not deter him from still wanting to take an active roll in life, and he was optimistic that he would get better. He was diagnosed with bladder cancer in 2006, but treatment was unsuccessful.
Preceded in passing by wife of 48 years Lucie 2000, son Gerhard 2003, parents Wilhelm and Else, and brother Wilhelm Willie. He is survived by son Friedrich of Federal Way, grandsons Willie of Orting and Nicholas of Boulder, sister Ilse Larsen and husband Walter Norway, niece Ingrid Hansen and family Norway, brother-in-law Gustav Maretzki and wife Edda Germany, cousins Friedrich Krueger, Otto Schutze, Anneliese Schamahl, and Ilse Scherling and families Germany.
Gerhard wished to be cremated as his wife was before him. There will be no formal viewing for he would want to be remembered for how he lived, not as he passed away. A service/life celebration will be held at a later date. Details to follow at www.bonneywatson.com.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in his memory to the German Heritage Society www.germanheritagesociety.org for it was his passion to keep and pass along his German heritage, values, and traditions to his family. This is what defined him and made him loved by so many. Donations can also be made to a wildlife organization of choice.
He will truly be missed by all those whose lives he touched. His long suffering and pain are now over, and he is reunited for eternity with the love of his life, Lucie.
WE ARE VERY SORRY TO HEAR ABOUT YOUR DAD. WE KNOW THAT IT HAS BEEN A LONG & SOMETIMES DIFFICULT JOURNEY FOR YOU WITH YOUR DAD IN THESE LAST YEARS, AND YOU MAY FIND IT HARD TO GO HOME AND NOT HAVE HIM THERE FOR YOU TO CARE FOR, BUT I HOPE THAT YOU FIND COMFORT KNOWING THAT HE IS NOW RESTING IN PEACE AND WITHOUT ANY PAIN IN GOD’S HANDS. I’M GLAD THAT WE ARE FRIENDS SO I CAN SHARE IN YOUR GRIEF. AFTER LOSING MY POP I KNOW THAT IT CAN LEAVE A HUGE HOLE IN YOUR HEART & LIFE, BUT THAT WILL BE REFILLED OVER TIME WITH THE MEMORIES OF YOUR LIVES TOGETHER.
Fred
I was very sorry to learn that you father passed away. Remember that your dad is no longer in pain and is with your Mom. I didn’t know your father but he must have been a good man as he raised a fine son.
I know it is very hard but it will get better with time. I’m sure you think of many things to tell you dad each and every day. Just remember, he knows exactly what you wanted to say.
My thoughts are with you in this difficult time.
Lynne Iszler