Carol Ann Kruger

Carol Kruger, 78, passed away gracefully on May 23^rd 2023 in Menasha, WI. She was born on September 16^th 1944 in Chester, PA, the daughter of Edgar and Carolyn (Weinlein) Bullen. Carol married the love of her life, Marc on December 17^th 1962. They spent a little over 60 years together in a devotion most could only dream of. Their love story started with a double date and they eloped 6 months later. Throughout her life you could find her holding Marc’s hand and gazing at him with her beautiful blue eyes. They shared a not so secret code of squeezing hands three times to say “I love you.” Theirs is a love story for the ages. Second to devoted wife, Carol was a mother. She was so proud of her 4 children and made sure they pursued every dream; artist, helper of the less fortunate, dancer and chef. Carol dedicated her life to making sure her children were educated, outspoken and independent. She filled the house with books and smells of her amazing cooking. As a “Philly Girl” she cheered on the Eagles, made the best Italian cuisine and was the first person to tell a Wisconsin restaurant that their cheesesteak hoagie was all wrong. Carol made everyone feel like royalty in their home. She set the most beautiful table settings and ensured there were sweets hidden in almost every drawer of the house. She wrapped those she loved in beautiful quilts and smocked dresses. Many a summer afternoon you could hear Carol and her “Ya-Ya’s” laughing on the back porch finishing quilts for her children, grandchildren or for St Jude’s Children Hospital. She was an extremely talented artist though she rarely showed her work. Carol loved her grandchildren deeply and spoke of them with great pride. Family was everything to Carol. She will forever be loved as “Hon”, “mom”, “mama” and “nana”.

Carol is survived by husband: Marc Kruger; children: Gretchen (Anthony) Ugoretz, Sandra Kelch, Virginia (Christopher) Rye, Marc C. (Catherine) Kruger; grandchildren: Hunter “Bumper” Kelch, Chase Nghia Kelch, Emily Ugoretz, Sarah Ugoretz, Ashley Kruger, Isabelle Kruger, Evan Rye; siblings: Ruth Gingerich, Barbara Lawson, Leonard Bullen, Beth Haviland; many nieces and nephews; and a Special Nurse: Adrianne.

Carol was preceded by heeER parents: Edgar and Carolyn Bullen; mother- and father-in-law: Otto and Virginia Kruger; a sister: Lenore Rania; uncle and aunt: Andrew and Mary Wienlein; Special Dogs: Bridget, Tippy and Ching.

Funeral services will be held at 12:00 Noon on Saturday, June 3, 2023, at the Wichmann Funeral Home Laemmrich Chapel, 312 Milwaukee St., Menasha, with Chaplain Ben Brandes officiating. Visitation will be on Saturday at the funeral chapel from 10:00 am until the time of the service.

Carol’s family would like to extend heartfelt thanks to Oak Park Place of Menasha and St Croix Hospice Angels for their compassionate care.