Patricia Rose Kruger

Patrica Rose (nee Cumback) Kruger was born on Aug. 11, 1928, to Oliver and Viola (Green) Cumback in Chicago, IL, and grew up in neighboring Hinsdale.

Pat graduated from Hinsdale Union High School and attended the University of Missouri to study media and communications. She met Richard "Dick" Kruger at Northwestern University through a college theater group, and the two wed in Hinsdale, IL, in November 1951.

Over the years the Kruger family grew to seven children while residing in: Hinsdale, IL; Downers Grove, IL; Pewaukee, WI; Bettendorf, IA; Town of Summit, WI; Oconomowoc, WI and Cambridge, WI.

As her family grew up, Pat embarked on a professional career that included: neighborhood columnist for The Bettendorf News; public relations for the Annie Wittenmyer/Iowa Soldiers' Orphans' Home; public relations for Lad Lake; sales and marketing for Wisconsin Graphics and sales representative for Ortho-Kinetics. After retirement, she worked part-time in Cambridge at the Chamber of Commerce and in retail sales at The Folk House.

Pat practiced "for the greater good" by being active and effective in her communities. Pat campaigned for candidates in local elections. She also served in several capacities, including election night poll reporting, with the League of Women Voters. She was appointed to and served terms on the City of Oconomowoc Plan and Cable commissions.

Outside of politics, Pat was active with her churches, most recently with the Oakland Cambridge Presbyterian Church and the First Congregational UCC Church. She also volunteered her time and talent with the Oconomowoc Festival of the Arts, the Cambridge Senior Center, Cambridge Community Hope and the Oconomowoc Area Senior Center.

Pat passed peacefully at 97 years on Sept. 3, 2025, in Jefferson, WI.

Family and friends gathered Sept. 13 for a Celebration of Life at First Congregational UCC Church in Oconomowoc. Internment followed at LaBelle Cemetery in Oconomowoc.

Pat is survived by children Mary Kruger, Hilary Kruger, C.T. (Meg) Kruger, Jane (Ed) Fitzsimmons, Chad (Michelle) Kruger, Rebecca Kruger, seven grandchildren, nine great-grandchildren, her aunt Lois (Green) Hlady and sister-in-law Patricia (Kruger) Scheffler. She is joining her husband Richard (2004), daughter Cynthia Kruger (2024), great-grandson Tobias Kruger (2022), her parents and numerous relatives and friends.

Pat's family is grateful for the help and support of caregivers Dani who provided home health care in Oconomowoc, the staff at Sunset Ridge, especially Mikey, Anna and Rhianna who were particularly kind, and Agrace Hospice, which assisted Pat and her family on the final leg of her journey on earth.

Memorials are suggested to the First Congregational Church in Oconomowoc, the Oconomowoc Area Senior Center or the charity of your choice.