~ Biographical Sketch ~

     Richard Rudolph Krueger was born on Friday, June 4, 1886 in Oakdale Township, Monroe County, Wisconsin, son of Frederick Krueger and Pauline W. Leege.² Richard Rudolph Krueger was baptized on Wednesday, October 20, 1886 at age 4 months and 16 days at his parents' home.²

Richard appeared on the Oakdale, Monroe County, Wisconsin, census of June, 1900 in the household of Frederick Krueger. He is recorded as his son, age 13. He had been born in Wisconsin in June of 1886. He spoke English and had been attending school for 4 months. He could read and write.³

Richard married Minnie Wilhelmina Neuendorf, daughter of August Neuendorf (Neidorft) and Frances Fischer, on December 8, 1909, at the home of the groom's parents.⁴

An announcement of Minnie Wilhelmina's and Richard's was made in the Tomah Monitor-Herald and reads as follows --

" A very pretty home wedding took place at the home of Mrs. Fred Krueger on December 8, 1909, when Miss Minnie Neuendorf, youngest daughter of Mr. and Mrs. August Neuendorf was untied in marriage with Mr. Richard R. Krueger, son of Mr. and Mrs. Fred Krueger, both parties being from the town of Oakdale. The bride was attended by Miss Mable Dreps of Tomah, and Miss Adeline Prochnow, a cousin. Herman Neuendorf a brother of the bride, and Mr. Emil Krueger attended as best man. The bride was attired in a beautiful gown of cream colored serge, and carried white carnations and smilax.

"At 3:30 the bridal party entered the parlor and took their places beneath a bell beautifully decorated by smilax where the ceremony was performed by the Rev. Kitzki of the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Tomah, in the presence of about a hundred invited guests. After the many hearty congratulations, the party then accompanied by the guests, repaired to the dining room where all partook of a bountiful dinner served by five of the young ladies who were tastefully attired in white and wore pink carnations. A very enjoyable time was spent during which Miss Adeline Prochnow rendered an enacted recitation befitting the occasion, in honor of the bride and groom.

"The young couple were among the most highly respected of Bear Creek's young people, both being reared in that vicinity and having a large circle of friends. The will make their home on the groom's mother's farm six miles east of this city. Their friends will join the Monitor-Herald in wishing them a long life, happiness and prosperity."⁵

After their marriage they lived with his mother for four years.⁶

About 1914 they purchased a farm one mile from his mother's home where they farmed until he died August 24, 1943.⁶

Richard Rudolph Krueger died on August 24, 1943 at age 57. He had been gored by a bull. He was survived by his wife, four children, Alice (Mrs. Frank) Prell of Tomah; Arnold, in the service (presently residing in Milwaukee); Vera (Mrs. Lester) Gottbeheut (now Mrs. Arthur Johnson of Wauconda); Hervert, in the services (presently residing in Milwaukee); and three grandchildren. (Editor's note: the time of this "survived by' writing was 1984.).^6,7

His obituary in the Tomah Journal, c. 1943-1944 reads:

Richard Krueger Called in Death
Richard Rudolph Krueger was born on June 4, 1886 in the town of Oakdale, the son of Fred and Pauline Krueger, both of whom preceded him in death. He was baptized in the home of his parents on th 20th day of October, 1886, by Rev. F. Steyer and confirmed on July 27, 1908 by the Rev. F. W. Kitzki of Tomah.

On Dec. 8, 1909 he was united in marriage to Miss Minnie Neuendorf of the town of Oakdale. To this union four children were born: Alice, now Mrs. Frank Prell, Vera, now Mrs. Vera Gottbehuet, both of Tomah, Arnold, who is now stationed at Camp Livingston, Louisiana, and Herbert, who is stationed at Camp Rucker, Alabama.

After his marriage he and his wife resided at the home of his Mother, Mrs. Fred Krueger, for four years, then moved to a farm near there for on year, after which they moved to the home in the town of Oakdale where he resided until he peacefully passed away on August 24, 1943 at the age of 57 years, two months and 20 days. Mr. Krueger had been in poor health for about a year preceding his death. He was a kind and loving husband and father, and a mon of upright character endeared to all who knew him.

He leaves to mourn besides his wife and four children, three grandchildren, Howard and Darlene Prell and Ronald Gottbehuet, one brother, Fred Krueger of Oakdale, a half-sister, Mrs. Carl Gerke, of Tomah, and a half-brother, Avolt Krueger of Oakdale, besides many other relatives and friends.

The funeral was conducted from the White Funeral Home on Saturday afternoon, August 28 at 2 o'clock by the Rev. H. Schaller. Mrs. Schaller sang two beautiful hymns, "Jesus Still Leads On" and "Just As I Am." The floral offerings were profuse and beautiful, being silent symbols of the esteem in which he was held. The remains were laid to rest in the Oak Grove Cemetery at Tomah.

Casket bearers were Lester Abbs, Claude Lemon, Otto Humbolt, Frank Rasch, Will Lobe and Henry Reetz. Flower ladies were Mrs. Claude Lemon, Mrs. Otto Humbolt, Mrs. Frank Rasch, Mrs. Will Lobe, Mrs. Henry Reetz, Mrs. Reuben Foth and Mrs. Louis Thom.

We shall meet, but we shall miss him,
There will be one vacant chair,
We shall linger to caress him
When we breathe our evening prayer.

When a year ago we gathered,
Joy was in his mild blue eye,
And our hopes in ruin lie.
True they tell us wreathes of glory,
But this soothes the anguish only
Evermore will deck his brow.
Sweeping o'er our heartstrings now.
Sleep today, oh, early fallen,
In the green and narrow bed.
Dirges from the pines and cypress
Mingle with the tears we shed.⁸