Eunice Krueger
Eunice Nadine (Hayward) Krueger was born in Humboldt, Nebraska, June 19, 1933, the youngest of the four children of Mack and Geneva (Burr) Hayward. She died Feb. 5, 2020.
She married LeRoy Krueger of Amherst on Feb. 8, 1955, in Humboldt. From there, the young couple traveled across the country for LeRoy’s job as a surveyor for an oil company. They moved often — so often, in fact, their oldest son Kim was born in New Mexico, daughter Brenda in Nebraska and son Kelly in Ohio. No matter where they were living, Eunice always made it their home.
The family moved to Holyoke in 1972, and a year later Eunice went to work for the local nursing home. She became a CNA and said that she preferred to work the night shift, stating that the residents were usually asleep at that time. She continued working there for 37 years until she retired in 2010.
Throughout her years, Eunice enjoyed cross-stitching, reading Danielle Steel books, playing gospel music on the organ, enjoying coffee with friends at the Sweet Shop or Dairy King, and garage sales. But most importantly, she enjoyed spending time with her granddaughters, Brittney and Brook.
Eunice had a great sense of humor. Even as her mind was slipping, she would crack a joke or say something that would purposely make you laugh. She was a strong lady too, and very rarely would you hear her complain or talk badly about anyone (unless it was a politician).
Eunice passed away quietly on what would have been her husband’s 89th birthday, and the pair would have celebrated their 65th wedding anniversary on Feb. 8.
She was preceded in death by her mother and father; her sister, Jean Gentry; and her husband, LeRoy.
She is survived by her brothers, Glenn and June Hayward and Dale and Janis Hayward; her children, Kim and Melody Krueger, Brenda and Rick Prottsman, and Kelly and Janet Krueger; and her granddaughters, Brittney and Brook Prottsman.
Eunice was a loving mother and grandmother, and her absence will leave a huge hole in the hearts of her family and everyone who knew her.
Services were held Feb. 8 at Baucke Funeral Home, with Pastor Kurt Hatteberg officiating. Interment followed the service at Holyoke Cemetery.
Baucke Funeral Home directed the service.