Ronald L. “Captain Ron” Krueger
Ronald Lee “Captain Ron” Krueger, age 76, of Neenah, died peacefully on Tuesday, March 24, 2015 at St. Elizabeth Hospital in Appleton.
He was born September 13, 1938 in Waupun, the son of Otto B. and Janet Hinkamp Krueger. Ron was a 1956 graduate of Waupun High School and attended Wartburg College studying business. He was united in marriage to Barbara Ziska in 1960.
Captain Ron spent many childhood summers on Lake Poygan with his family. He was an outstanding football player and was named All American. He was recruited to play pro football by 5 different teams, including the Green Bay Packers during the early Vince Lombardi era. Although he did not pursue this venture, he remained a loyal fan who rarely if ever missed a game. He joined his family’s retail liquor distribution and tavern business in Waupun, operated as Koog’s Keg.
Ron was an involved and active community resident serving on the volunteer fire department and City Council. Ron met and married his second wife, Jeanne. They moved to the Fox River Valley area and he accepted a position as Park Director for the Town of Menasha.
Captain Ron spent many leisure hours on the upriver lakes and kept his “summer residence” at Wind Point Harbor in Winneconne. He loved to be around people, was a generous person and totally enjoyed life to its fullest. He was a member of the Appleton Yacht Club. But perhaps Captain Ron was best remembered for his love of life and his friends. As for loving, he could seem larger than life.
He is survived by his daughter, Cindy (Douglas) Funke; two grandchildren, Austin Funke and Rachel Funke; his step daughters, Kristin (David) Hernandez-Lombardo, Victoria (Jeff) Sang and Terri Hernandez; step son, Rick; step grandchildren; and many nieces, nephews and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Jeanne; and sister, Carole Barbola.
Funeral services will be held Monday, March 30, 2015 at 6:00 p.m. at Mueller Funeral Home in Winneconne, the Rev. Scott T. Piper officiating. Friends and relatives may call on Monday from 3:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. at Mueller Funeral Home. Arrangements have been entrusted to Barbola Funeral Chapel of Berlin. A memorial has been established. Online condolences may be sent to the family at barbolafc@yahoo.com.