Merry Kruger
December 25, 1952 ~ June 27, 2016
Merry L. Kruger age 63 of Charles City died Monday, June 27, 2016, at Hospice of North Iowa in Mason City.
Funeral services will be held 11:00 a.m. Friday, July 1, 2016, at Hugeback - Johnson Funeral Home, New Hampton, with Pastor Kevin Frey officiating.
Friends may greet the family 4:00 - 7:00 p.m. Thursday, June 30, 2016, at Hugeback - Johnson Funeral Home in New Hampton. Visitation continues an hour prior to the service at the funeral home on Friday.
Merry Lynne Kruger was born December 25, 1952, in Mason City, IA, the daughter of Wilbur and Altha (Elliott) Kotz. She attended grade school in New Hampton and was a 1971 graduate of New Hampton High School. Upon graduating, Merry worked helping her family for several years. Merry went on a date with Richard Kruger on Valentines Day in 1975, and the couple was married January 26, 1976. To this union four children were born.
When the children were young, Merry stayed home taking care of them until they reached school age. Merry was employed at Beatrice Foods in Fredericksburg for 14 years until the plant was closed. She then took a position at Con Agra foods in Charles City, working for the company for 13 years before retiring in April of 2016.
Merry was a creative person that enjoyed decorating her home and sharing her eye for interior design with all her family and friends. It was very typical of her to suggest a new paint color or different furniture arrangement while visiting her sister's or daughter's home. She would even help make these improvements herself and many who know her can recall a time when you painted a room, moved couches, or rehung wall dcor with her. Merry and Richard enjoyed attending car events together and cruising in their 1966 Plymouth Belvedere Convertible.
Merry loved spending time with her family and cherished the moments when everyone could get together for the holidays or a special occasion.
Merry is survived be her husband of 40 years, Richard; three daughters, Mandy (Chris) Blackmon of Cedar Park TX; Angie (Jason) LaPolice of Rochester, MN; Emily Kruger (Scott) of Charles City, IA; one son, Matthew Kruger of Charles City, IA; ten grandchildren, Levi, Kailynne, Ericka, Devin, Aubrey, Lucas, Elizabeth, Dominic, Layla, and Cameron; two brothers, Tom (Michelle) Kotz of Lamoni, IA; Robb (Cindy) Kotz of New Hampton, IA; three sisters, Pat Fickbohm of Des Moines, IA; Kate (Mark) Van Tassel of Rochester, MN; Sue Ann Kotz of Cedar Falls, IA; twenty nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her parents; sister, LaLonna Kotz; brother Wilbur Kotz.
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Hugeback-Johnson Funeral Home and Cremation Services created a video in memory of Merry L Kruger
Our deepest sympathy to Merry’s family. Merry was such a sweet person and always had a smile for everyone. RIP…
My sympathy to Merry’s family; my thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Hard to believe she’s gone. It won’t be the same looking over at her house and not seeing her sitting on the porch. Amazing lady, breaks our hearts that she’s not here any more. 🙁
Last fall I had come home from work. Ben was given a wooden cross as a gift from school. Merry had told Ben that she was sick. Ben had let Merry borrow his cross and promised Merry that Jesus would take good care of her. RIP Merry and our Sympathy goes out to your family.
Dawn Branstad lit a candle in memory of Merry L Kruger
Thinking of you all today. I have special memories of family gatherings and cousin time together at Grandpa and Grandma (Louis and Tilda) Kotz’s farm house so many years ago. May we all find peace in the memories we share. Gail Roben Johnson
Kris Pregler lit a candle in memory of Merry L Kruger
Sue Kotz lit a candle in memory of Merry L Kruger
well my dear friend i still can’t believe you are gone. You were the strongest women i know. i will miss our long talk in the parking lot at work and talking about music. my friend rest in peace and know this you will never be forgotten. your spirit will be with me at work as long as i’m working there.
Basket of Joy was purchased for the family of Merry L Kruger.
To The Kruger, and Kotz Family, May the love of family and friend comfort you during this difficult time, My most heartfelt condolences. Mark, Donna Ambrose and Family
I worked with Merry at ConAgra for many years. What a sweet lady! Always a smile on her face no matter what job she was doing. This world won’t be the same but the next world has gained an awesome soul.
Zach Kotz lit a candle in memory of Merry L Kruger
Carol Sheldon lit a candle in memory of Merry L Kruger
My little sister inspired me as well as many others who knew of her physical struggles early in life. That inspiration came about from her refusal to let those serious issues restrict the way she wanted to live. She was fearless; there was no hesitation on her part to jump right into the action (although it constantly caused our mother to worry about her well-being). As a high school freshman, Merry gained the respect and admiration of senior girls in her PE class.due to her athleticism and energy in all activities. I was proud of her in the stories they would tell of her exploits. She had a great attitude, a modest demeanor and a ‘never quit’ approach. She was creative and fun-loving. Merry held to those traits to the very end of her life. In her mind it was the only way to live. RIP, dear sister.
You have our deepest sympathy Kruger and Kotz family.
So sorry to learn of Merry’s passing.Hang on to all the good memories, they will bring you peace and comfort in the days to come. May God be with thru this difficult time.
Don and Brenda Kruger and family purchased the Beautiful in Blue for the family of Merry L Kruger.
Sweetest Sunrise Bouquet was purchased for the family of Merry L Kruger.
My heart goes out to each of Merry’s friends and family. This is a sad time for all. It seems unfair that I am still hanging around at 94. You are all in my thoughts and prayers. My love, Aunt Doris
Lindsey Kotz lit a candle in memory of Merry L Kruger
Alissa and Joe Wilke purchased the Blooming Garden Basket for the family of Merry L Kruger.
Bill & Diane Schaetzel lit a candle in memory of Merry L Kruger
We worked with Mary at Beatrice Cheese years ago. She was always so friendly, fun, full of laughter, and easy to talk to. RIP sweet Merry.
I met Merry through the car club. She was always so positive and so easy to talk to. Most of the time we didn’t even talk about cars but, instead, talked about our families. I will miss you Merry. God definitely has gained another angel in heaven. My condolences go out to Rick and the rest of the family. Gloria Bittner
I had the pleasure of getting to know Merry while we worked together for ConAgra. And the pleasure was truly mine, such a sweet, kind hearted girl who worked very hard, treated fellow workers with the utmost respect, Who often spoke of her parents, siblings, husband and children with such sincere love. A girl who had much compassion for all living things, Merry it was a gift to me knowing you. RIP sweets, see you one day on another plain.
A light on earth has dimmed so it may shine ever so brightly in heaven. Merry will remain in the hearts of those she knew and loved and those who knew and loved her. She is now reunited with her sister, Lonnie. May she rest in peace, may her family be strong, and may the cherished memories you hold in your hearts of her give you strength. With deepest sympathy, Patti (Panovec) Blinstrub
So sorry to hear about Aunt Merry! She was so positive about life and was always fun to laugh with at our family get together’s. I’m sure my dad (her brother, Wil) was there to greet her when she came home, along with Grandma and Grandpa, they are sharing many laughs together. My thoughts and prayers are with Rick, Mandy, Angie and Matt…peace be with you. Melanie (Kotz) Richter
Jennifer Kotz lit a candle in memory of Merry L Kruger
Katie Van Tassel lit a candle in memory of Merry L Kruger
Peaceful White Lilies Basket was purchased for the family of Merry L Kruger.
Merry was a co-worker that understood everyone was a witness for my wedding, She put up a heck of a battle now she is resting so peaceful Love that lady to the moon and back Thelma & Steve Neisen
Pat Fickbohm lit a candle in memory of Merry L Kruger
My sister came into the world fighting and left it fighting,now she can rest.Love you Merry. ( Jard!!). Robb
Merry was a dear coworker and friend to myself and so many others. I will miss and remember her. My prayers and condolences to her family
Loved her style , she was so talented and could do anything . Love , Sue
I will always miss the summer’s at grandma’s
Love, Levi Ericka Lucas Elizabeth & Layla
We wanted to extend our sympathy to Merry’s family for your loss. We graduated together and found out she had cancer after our recent class reunion. So sad… Sharon and Joe Haskovec
Kailynne,Devin, And Aubrey lit a candle in memory of Merry L Kruger
Leroy Kellner lit a candle in memory of Merry L Kruger
Prayers for comfort and strength to Merr’s family. Her love, humor, and zest for life are reminders for us to follow. And for us to live as she did, loving her family and friends strongly. With love and sympathy, Alissa Wilke
Merry. You have been my bestie since I moved to New Hampton. It has been 48yrs of a wonderful friendship. Been together through all of our ups and downs and you always made light of any kind of situation that would arise It is been the best 48 years of my life a true friendship that I will greatly miss. In my heart I know you’re finally at peace and free of pain You have a beautiful family that I can cherish as we go through life remembering what a beautiful person you are and always will be. You will remain in my heart in my mind forever. God bless you until we meet again
Merry one of my dearest friends, for more than 55 years. She had a way of bringing her laughter to any situation. She bravely fought the hardest battle of her life. May you find comfort in her love for you all. Kris Meyer
Our prayers and love to you sweet cousins! Our hearts are heavy but certainly they hang on to the promise of everlasting life through Jesus! She is with Priscilla and Gerry now! What a glorious meeting that must be. Love you Ricky and family!!!
So very sorry to hear of Merry’s passing. Blessings on her family during this difficult time.