John William Krueger

John William Krueger, 83, died early Thursday, January 16, 2014 at his home on Lake Thompson. John was born in Marinette, Wisconsin on February 7, 1930 to Jesse and Beulah (Elwood) Krueger. He graduated from Marinette High School in 1948, received his bachelor’s degree from the UW – Madison in 1952 and earned his law degree from UW – Law School in 1955. John worked and paid his own way though both college and law school.

John and Phyllis Evancheck were married in Marinette on March 31, 1957. They moved to Rhinelander in January 1958, where John practiced law with his cousin, Lee, in the law firm of Krueger & Krueger from 1957 to 1996. When Lee retired due to ill health, John joined the law firm of Mouw, Saari, Krueger & Smith, S.C., practicing until his retirement in 2007.

John was elected City Attorney of Rhinelander from 1958 – 1968. During his tenure he worked to have the Davenport Street Bridge constructed, bring the Oneida County Regional Airport to town and the develop Nicollet Technical College.

Admitted to practice with the Wisconsin Supreme Count in 1955, John argued cases before this High Court. He was also admitted to the U.S. District Court Eastern and Western Districts of Wisconsin and to the U.S. Supreme Court. He was a member of the Oneida-Vilas-Forest Country Bar Association and served as President from 1966 - 67. He was a member of the Board of Directors of the State Bar Litigation Section for 12 years and was Section Chair from 1982 to 1984. John was a member of the American Judicature Society, the International Association of Defense Counsel, Civil Trial Counsel of Wisconsin, Defense Research and Trial Lawyers Association. He was also an arbitrator for the National Arbitration Forum. For 22 years he was a member of the State Bar Association’s Responsibility Committee. The State Bar of Wisconsin recognized him as a 50 year member in 2006.

He was the Treasurer of the Northwood’s Chapter of Ducks Unlimited for over 35 years, and was a coach and Secretary of the Rhinelander Babe Ruth League. He was also a member of the Board of Directors and Secretary of the Rhinelander Athletic Booster Club.

He Chaired the Oneida County Republican Party on numerous occasions, was a past chair of the Tenth Congressional District – Republican Party, and was a past member of the State of Wisconsin Republican Party Executive Committee.

John was a former member of the Lions Club and was a current member of the Kiwanis Club of Rhinelander. He was a past member of Trinity Evangelical Lutheran Church and was a current member of Immanuel Lutheran Church.

John was an avid outdoorsman, enjoying fishing, duck/deer/game hunting over the years and spent many “vacations” at the shack with his friends and family.

He is survived by his wife, Phyllis, his children Jess (Debra) Krueger of Lombard, Il, Eric (Lisa) Krueger and their son Colton of Rhinelander, Susan (Ted) Grund and their daughters Madeline and Allison of Janesville, WI, his sister Barbara Lindsey of Edina MN, and his faithful hunting dog Meshak.

He was preceded in death by his parents, his brother James, and numerous hunting dogs.

A Funeral Service will be held 11:00 am, Monday, January 20, 2013 at Immanuel Evangelical Lutheran Church with Lay Minister Jill Kusek officiating. Burial will be at Northland Memorial Cemetery. Visitation will be Sunday, January 19, 2014 from 4 pm till 7 pm at the Funeral Home, and also on Monday at the Church at 10 am until the time of Service. A memorial fund has been made in John’s name; memorials given will be donated by John’s family to his favorite charities. Hildebrand Russ Funeral Home, 715-365-4343 is assisting the family with arrangements. All are invited to light a candle and leave an online condolence for John at www.hildebrandfh.com.