Karol Rae Kruger

Karol R. (Kay) Kruger, age 83, formerly of Randolph and Norfolk, NE passed away peacefully at her home in Phoenix, AZ on November 2, 2021. Kay was born in Coleridge, NE on December 19, 1937 and was the fifth of fifteen children of Arthur (Art) and Ione McMann. Kay graduated from Coleridge High School in 1955. Kay married Jimmy (Jim) G. Kruger on January 26, 1957 after he returned from serving in the United States Army. Jim and Kay raised three children, Jeanie, Joanie and James.

Jim and Kay were farmers near Randolph for many years before they both made a career change. Kay completed several certificate courses at Northeast Technical Community College and those skills enabled her to provide administrative support at Norfolk Iron and Metal and later at a the Domina Law office in Norfolk. Jim and Kay relocated to Norfolk, NE after all their children completed high school in Randolph. In 1986, Jim and Kay moved to Phoenix, AZ to enjoy the warmer climate and be closer to Kay’s family who lived in the area. Kay worked at the Valley Shopper and the Washington School District while living in the valley of the sun.

Kay will always be remembered for her strong work ethic, her strong Irish spirit to succeed and her love for the Nebraska Cornhuskers, Phoenix Suns and the Arizona Cardinals & Diamondbacks.

Kay is survived by her daughter Jeanie (Dennis) of Royse City, TX, daughter Joanie Mack of Las Vegas, NV and son James (Becky) of Lincoln, NE along with grandchildren Justin (Jessica) Milander of Boise, ID, Jackie Wheelington of Royse City, TX, Ben (Maddie) Kruger of Gretna, NE, James (Bailey) Kruger of Omaha, NE and Katie Kruger of Omaha, NE and great grandchildren Jenna and John (JD) Milander of Boise, ID, Jack (Nixon) Wheelington of Royse City, TX and Kade Kruger of Gretna, NE. Kay is also survived by sisters Dorothy Evans, Dixie (Jim) Perkins, Linda (Mike) Hickey and Vicki (Jerry) Browning and a brother Doug McMann. Kay was preceded in death by her husband Jim, parents Art and Ione along with brother’s Francis, Larry, Pat and Monte and sisters Helen, Mariann, Jolene, Patricia and Cheryl.

A Private Family Funeral Service for Karol will be held Monday, November 15, 2021 at 10:00 AM, followed by a private interment at 10:45 AM. Both the Funeral Service and the Committal Service at the Cemetery will be livestreamed. To join the family virtually, please follow the livestream link below at the start of the service.

The family would like to extend their great appreciation to all the neighbors and friends who helped Mom so much over the years with all the work around the house and pool with a very special thanks to her closest caregivers who were her daughter Joanie Mack and family friend Kim Smylie. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Teammates Mentoring Program, 6801 “O” Street Lincoln, NE 68510, in remembrance of Kay.