Obituary: Wilmer “Butch” Krueger

Wilmer “Butch” Krueger, age 79, of Hilbert, died on Friday, August 4, 2023 at Theda Care Regional Medical Center in Appleton where his final days were spent surrounded by his loving family.

Butch was born November 5, 1943 to Clarence & Marie (Siegwarth) Krueger. He attended school in Chilton and then began his working career at Brillion Iron Works where he remained until his retirement in 2007.

59 years ago, he married the love of his life, Diana Schmitz, on July 11, 1964 at St. Mary Catholic Church in Hilbert.

Anyone who knew Butch knows that he was a man of few words, but always had a smile on his face, especially when he was doing what he loved: hunting. He was an avid outdoorsman who loved everything from chasing after coyotes & fox, sitting patiently waiting for the big bucks or turkey to walk through or sitting quietly in his shanty anticipating the next big sturgeon would swim by momentarily. Butch passed down his love of hunting to his son, and when his grandsons were born, he was thrilled to teach them everything he knew about the great outdoors. He took great pleasure in the moments he could take them up to the cabin where they could go for long walks in the woods, teaching them the virtue of patience, and appreciating every moment he could spending time with them. Even with a tremendous penchant for the great outdoors, Butch would often times sit in front of the television and enjoy a good football game or watch a thrilling NASCAR race.

Butch is survived by his wife of 59 years, Diana; his children: Darla Johnson, Scott (Melissa) Krueger; his grandchildren: Jacob (Aubrey) Krueger, Joshua (Alexandra) Krueger, David Johnson; great grandchildren: Evelyn, Owen & Baby Charlotte who will be arriving in October; siblings: Clarence (Sandy) Krueger, Jane Krueger; sisters-in-law: Joan Krueger, Bridget Bornemann, Donna (Willie) Schad; his brothers-in-law: TJ Schmitz, Jr. (Sherry) Schmitz, Tom Vande Hey, Sam (Kelly) Schmitz; and his loving niece Mary Jo Krueger. Butch also leaves behind several other nieces, nephews and a host of friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents: Clarence & Marie; a brother: Roger Krueger; a sister: Joyce (Fred) Stollenwerk; his parents-in-law: Elmer & Doris Schmitz; brother-in-law: Keith Bornemann; sister-in-law: Sedona Vande Hey; nieces: Julie Yepson, Missy Bliske; and a nephew: Jeff Krueger.

Mass of Christian Burial will be at 12:00 Noon on Thursday, August 10, 2023 at St. Mary Catholic Church in Stockbridge with Rev. Michael Betley officiating. A time of visitation will take place at the church from 9:30 am until 11:45 am on Thursday, August 10, 2023. Those wishing to watch a livestream or archived recording of the service, view a memorial video or see pictures of flowers and gifts given to the family may do so by visiting wietingfuneralhome.com

Butch’s family would like to extend a special thank you to Mike “Lippy” Loose for helping Butch to be able to still enjoy the thrill of the chase coyote hunting from his recliner with the walkie talkie the past couple of years. We know it meant a lot to him to be included.

You are finally pain free, Butch, may you soar with the eagles watching over all of us. -Love you Always-