Joyce Krueger
Joyce Anna Krueger, age 86, of Holyoke, died March 24, 2021, at Melissa Memorial Hospital. She was born June 25, 1934, in Harbor Beach, Michigan, to Carl J. and Louise J. (Inhelder) Gerstenschlager.
Joyce and Jay Dean Krueger were united in marriage on June 12, 1954, at Zion Lutheran Church in Harbor Beach, Michigan.
Joyce was never afraid of hard work and loved raising six children, alongside her husband, on the farm. She was a fabulous cook and could sew or mend anything, and she was such a warm-hearted hostess, no matter the circumstances. She also loved quilting with her own mother. Joyce was a wonderful surrogate mother/grandmother to many — she loved babies and children. Actually, she loved people of all ages and was a true friend to all.
Throughout her health battles, she was a light of hope and inspiration to everyone she met; she never complained and fought each battle with grace and determination. Her quiet, gentle convictions of faith and trust in the Lord touched many. She was a caring listener and always offered sincere compassion beyond measure.
A sentiment that she voiced was as follows: “We don’t know what tomorrow will bring, so don’t stay mad for too long. Learn to forgive and love with all your heart. Don’t worry about the people who don’t like you. Enjoy the ones who love you.”
She is survived by her husband of 66 1/2 years, Jay Dean; their children, Juline and Norb Badding of Holyoke, Rick and Kristi Krueger of Amherst, Sharon and Jeff Olofson of Kansas, David and Holli Krueger of Holyoke, Brenda and Robie Adams of Holyoke, and Anthony and Brenda Krueger of Amherst; grandchildren, Matthew and Jenni Badding of Kansas, Maranda and Trever Miller of Atwood, Michael and Jordan Badding of Texas, Brittany Krueger of Holyoke, Zach and Gillian Krueger of Holyoke, Logan and Sara Krueger of Nebraska, Catrina Krueger of Castle Rock, Shaylee Krueger of Castle Rock, Rachel Krueger of Holyoke, Jennifer and Chad Tuell of Holyoke, Joshua and Katie Adams of Eaton, and Tara Krueger and Jesus Loya of Holyoke; great-grandchildren, Tyler and Kaitlyn Miller of Atwood, Harper Badding of Texas, Caiden, Kylie and Kane Krueger of Holyoke, Reagan Krueger (and a baby sister or brother, soon to be born) of Nebraska, Peyton Adams of Holyoke, Avery and Maddie Adams of Eaton, and Christian Loya of Holyoke; and sibling, Carl P. Gerstenschlager of Harbor Beach, Michigan.
Joyce was preceded in death by a grandson, Jamie Badding; and her siblings, Betty and Elmer Nieschulz, Lloyd Gerstenschlager, Donna and Ralph Landenberg, and Edwin Gerstenschlager.
Funeral services were held March 30 at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Amherst, with Pastor Kurt Hatteberg officiating. Burial followed in the Amherst Cemetery.
Memorials may be made to St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, with proceeds to be designated at a later date.
Baucke Funeral Home directed the service.