Karol R. “Kay” Kruger
PHOENIX, Ariz. — Karol R. “Kay” Kruger, 83, formerly of Randolph and Norfolk, died peacefully at her home in Phoenix, Ariz., Nov. 2, 2021.
A Private Family Funeral Service for Karol will be Nov. 15, at 10 a.m., followed by a private interment at 10:45 a.m. Both the Funeral Service and the Committal Service at the Cemetery will be live streamed. To join the family virtually, please follow the livestream link, www.lincolnfh.com, at the start of the service.
Kay was born in Coleridge Dec. 19, 1937, and was the fifth of 15 children of Arthur (Art) and Ione McMann. Kay graduated from Coleridge High School in 1955. She married Jimmy G. “Jim” Kruger Jan. 26, 1957, after he returned from serving in the United States Army. Jim and Kay raised three children, Jeanie, Joanie and James.
Jim and Kay were farmers near Randolph for many years before they both made a career change. Kay completed several certificate courses at Northeast Technical Community College and those skills enabled her to provide administrative support at Norfolk Iron and Metal, and later, at the Domina Law office in Norfolk. Jim and Kay relocated to Norfolk after all their children completed high school in Randolph. In 1986, Jim and Kay moved to Phoenix, Ariz., to enjoy the warmer climate and be closer to Kay’s family who lived in the area. Kay worked at the Valley Shopper and the Washington School District while living in the valley of the sun.
Kay will always be remembered for her strong work ethic, her strong Irish spirit to succeed, and her love for the Nebraska Cornhuskers, Phoenix Suns and the Arizona Cardinals and Diamondbacks.
Kay is survived by her daughter, Jeanie (Dennis), Royse City, Texas; daughter, Joanie Mack, Las Vegas, Nev.; and son, James (Becky), Lincoln along with grandchildren, Justin (Jessica) Milander, Boise, Idaho; Jackie Wheelington, Royse City, Texas; Ben (Maddie) Kruger, Gretna; James (Bailey) Kruger, Omaha; and Katie Kruger, Omaha; and great-grandchildren, Jenna and John “JD” Milander, Boise, Idaho; Jack (Nixon) Wheelington, Royse City, Texas; and Kade Kruger, Gretna; and sisters, Dorothy Evans, Dixie (Jim) Perkins, Linda (Mike) Hickey and Vicki (Jerry) Browning; and a brother, Doug McMann.
Kay was preceded in death by her husband, Jim; parents, Art and Ione; along with brothers, Francis, Larry, Pat and Monte; and sisters, Helen, Mariann, Jolene, Patricia and Cheryl.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Teammates Mentoring Program, 6801 “O” Street, Lincoln, NE 68510, in remembrance of