Mary Katherine Kruger

Mary Katherine Kruger, age 82, of Apple Canyon Lake, IL, peacefully passed away at Midwest Medical Center Senior Care Facility in Galena, IL, on August 17th, 2025. Services will be held on Saturday, August 23rd at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Elizabeth, IL. A visitation will be held from 9:30 - 10:30am, followed by a Funeral Mass at 10:30am. Burial will follow down the hill at St. Mary’s Catholic Cemetery. There will be a luncheon at the church immediately following the services.

Mary was a New Year’s baby, born January 1, 1943, in Freeport, IL, the daughter of Walter and Ann (Artman) Young. She graduated at the top of her class from Elizabeth High School in 1960. One of her fondest school memories was her senior trip to New York City. She told of escapades with classmates sneaking out at night and riding the subway. Following graduation, she worked at Farley & Loetscher Manufacturing in Dubuque, IA before accepting a clerical position in Galena, IL. It was there that she met the love of her life, James “Mike” Kruger, who worked for Interstate Power Company on the floor above her. While dating, Mary and Mike often went dancing at the Palace which was a popular hangout for young couples. The courtship culminated in a proposal from Mike—right in the middle of Mary making applesauce at her mother’s house. They were married on November 20th, 1965 at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Elizabeth and celebrated 57 years together.

Mary and Mike settled in Elizabeth, IL and were blessed with four children. Mary became a stay-at-home mom, a role befitting her as she provided a loving and nurturing household. Mary was an expert gardener who grew and canned a wide variety of fruits and vegetables. In addition, she was an excellent cook who provided delicious, wholesome meals for the sit-down family dinner every night. She also had the unique skill to re-upholster furniture which she turned into a small business operated from her home. Once the children were grown, Mary began a 20-year career with the University of Illinois Extension Service in Elizabeth and served as Program Coordinator for 4-H and Youth Development.

In their retirement years, Mary and Mike enjoyed life on a small farmette on the edge of town which was home to chickens, cattle, their dog, Casey, and many cats. In their later years, they fulfilled their lifelong dream of living at Apple Canyon Lake and enjoyed nature, boating, and fishing.

Mary spent her entire life caring and serving others. She was always there for her children and grandchildren, attending many of their sporting, church and school events. She once said, “I would rather take care of others than for them to have to care for me.” Beyond supporting her family, she had several unsung talents. She combined her sewing abilities and creativity to fashion many homemade costumes and an amazing red velvet dress she wore for Christmas. She had a knack for writing and made original, personal birthday cards. She was a voracious reader, particularly enjoying criminal mysteries and Western frontier fiction. In addition, Mary enjoyed the annual family vacations traveling to Wisconsin, Minnesota, and the Rocky Mountains, creating lifelong memories.

A devout Catholic, Mary was a proud member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church. Unwavering in her faith, she never missed a Sunday mass. Even when traveling, the family would find a church at every stop. Mary cherished her weekly Friday morning visits with Father Joachim. He would bring her communion, as well as a special bakery treat. Sunday was for three things: God, family, and her beloved Packers!

Mary is survived by her four children, Scott Kruger, of Neenah, WI, John (Erin) Kruger, of Mt. Morris, IL, Dr. Teresa Kruger, of Rockford, IL, and Don (Krista) Kruger, of Cuba City, WI; six grandchildren, Christina, Abigail, Julia, Natalie, Elizabeth, and Hannah; one great grandchild, Lily; and brother, Tom (Dorothy) Young, of Scales Mound, IL. Mary is preceded in death by her parents, Walter and Ann; husband, James “Mike”; brothers, Jim (Jill) Young and Bill Young; and sister, JoAnn (Jerry) Bonjour. Lastly, Tigger, Abby and Natty, Mary’s faithful feline companions will be purring for her.

The family would like to extend special thanks to Dr. Greg Vandigo, the Apple Canyon Lake Security staff, and the caregivers at the Midwest Medical Center Senior Facility who provided exceptional care and kindness to Mary during her brief stay.