The Haxtun-Fleming Herald - What can we reason but from what we know? -Alexander Pope

Joyce A. Krueger passed away Wednesday, March 24, 2021 at Melissa Memorial Hospital at the age of 86.

She was born on June 25, 1934 in Harbor Beach, Mich. to the late 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, Mich.

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 and a half years Jay Dean; children Juline and husband Norb Badding, Holyoke, Rick and wife Kristi Krueger, Amherst, Sharon and husband Jeff Olofson, Kan., David and wife Holli Krueger, Holyoke, Brenda and husband Robie Adams, Holyoke, and Anthony and wife Brenda Krueger, Amherst; grandchildren Matthew and wife Jenni Badding, Kan., Maranda and husband Trever Miller, Atwood, Michael and wife Jordan Badding, Texas, Brittany Krueger, Holyoke, Zach and wife Gillian Krueger, Holyoke, Logan and wife Sara Krueger, Neb., Catrina Krueger and Shaylee Krueger, both of Castle Rock, Rachel Krueger, Holyoke, Jennifer and husband Chad Tuell, Holyoke, Joshua and wife Katie Adams, Eaton, and Tara Krueger and significant other Jesus Loya, Holyoke; great-grandchildren Tyler and Kaitlyn Miller, Atwood, Harper Badding, Texas, Caiden, Kylie and Kane Krueger, Holyoke, Reagan Krueger, and either a baby sister or brother, soon to be born, Neb., Peyton Adams, Holyoke, Avery and Maddie Adams, Eaton, and Christian Loya, Holyoke; and sibling Carl P. Gerstenschlager, Harbor Beach, Mich.

Joyce is preceded in death by a grandson Jamie Badding; and siblings Betty and husband Elmer Nieschulz, Lloyd Gerstenschlager, Donna and husband Ralph Landenberg and Edwin Gerstenschlager.

Funeral services for Joyce were held on March 30 at St. Paul's Lutheran Church in Amherst with Pastor Kurt Hatteburg 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.