Blossom Mary (Matzke) Krueger

On March 16, 2017, Blossom was reunited with her favorite waltzing partner, our dad, Milton. She drifted off peacefully surrounded by all of us... and the band played on. Born May 8, 1921, to Clem and Sadie Matzke, she shared her childhood (atop of Scray's Hill) with seven siblings who all remained friends for a lifetime. Blossom lived a full and storied life. After graduating from De Pere High School in just three years, she moved to Green Bay where she developed her paint and decorating skills working for Montgomery Ward Co. Although she chummed with many friends who enjoyed to dance as much as Blossom, it was a young handsome soldier, Milton Krueger, who stole her heart. They married October 20, 1945. Together they opened Krueger Paint Hardware store in De Pere and worked side by side until Milton's untimely death in 1970. She was determined to keep their five beautiful children, ages 8-22, safe and in their respective colleges and schools. The day after the funeral, Blossom turned the key, opened the store and set about running the operation without him. She was a woman of great courage. Through the years Blossom worked with Jonas Service Supply, remaining on the Board of Directors emeritus. She was a member of the De Pere Chamber of Commerce (Board of Appeals); served on the Board of Directors for the De Pere Historic Society; was the official chaperone for Miss De Pere for several years; received the Rotarian Roses for the Living award; was an active participant in both school and church related programs, projects, and activities. Mother loved playing the piano for others and was an avid bridge player. She and longtime friend, Pete Christensen, spent their twilight years dancing, bowling, and traveling. He preceded her in death last year. Mother will long be remembered for her love and kindness towards others. Blossom is survived by her five children: Randall (E. Trudy); Pamela (Richard Jonas); Bruce (Susan); Paula (John Olson); Roxanne (Scott Jossart). Grandchildren: PaulaAnne (Allen Hoeppner); David Smithwick (Lindsey); Katherine Deiters; Caroline (Hudson Moore); Jenna, Scotty, Jorey Jossart; Randy Krueger; Charles Jonas; Patrick Jonas (Anne). Great-grandchildren: Elizabeth, Emily, Ella, Sadie Lee, Sydney, Blake. Blossom is survived by three sisters: Joyce Cohen, Rosella Schroeder, Gloria Bougie (Roger) one brother: Ken Matzke; and numerous nieces and nephews. Preceding Blossom in death: parents Clem and Sadie Matzke; sister June (Ed Collins); brothers Roland (Ethel), Bob (Germaine); brothers-in-law Bernard Cohen, Roland Schroeder; sister-in-law Dolores Matzke. All of Milton’s siblings and spouses preceded her in death. Family and friends may visit at St. Mary Catholic Church, 4805 Sportsman Drive, Ledgeview, on Tuesday, March 21, from 9:00am until 10-45am. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11:00am with the Rev. Richard Getchel officiating. Burial will be in Mt. Olivet Catholic Cemetery, De Pere. Cotter Funeral Home and Crematory is assisting the family. We would like to thank Mom’s amazing Home Instead caregivers: Diane, Sandy, Lori, Kerry; So many of the kind and compassionate CNAs, Nurses, Dining Staff and those who loved our mother so sweetly at Rennes Health Center. In addition, thank you to Dr. David Kaufman and Dr. Tracy Sherman who have overseen Mom’s medical care for all of these years. Blessed are the pure of heart, for they shall see God. We will miss your gentle smile and constant strength. May you now rest in the Peace of God.

Reception:
St. Mary Catholic Community
4805 Sportsman Drive
De Pere, WI 54115