Joyce Anna Krueger

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

She was born on June 25, 1934, in Harbor Beach, Michigan 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, Michigan.

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 ½ years, Jay Dean, and their children: Juline (Norb) Badding of Holyoke, Rick (Kristi) Krueger of Amherst, Sharon (Jeff) Olofson of Kansas, David (Holli) Krueger of Holyoke, Brenda (Robie) Adams of Holyoke, Anthony (Brenda) Krueger of Amherst; and her grandchildren: Matthew (Jenni) Badding of Kansas, Maranda (Trever) Miller of Atwood, Michael (Jordan) Badding of Texas; Brittany Krueger of Holyoke, Zach (Gillian) Krueger of Holyoke, Logan (Sara) Krueger of Nebraska; Catrina Krueger and Shaylee Krueger of Castle Rock, and Rachel Krueger of Holyoke; Jennifer (Chad) Tuell of Holyoke, Joshua (Katie) Adams of Eaton; and Tara Krueger (Jesus Loya) of Holyoke; and her great grandchildren: Tyler and Kaitlyn Miller of Atwood, Harper Badding of Texas; Caiden, Kylie and Kane Krueger of Holyoke; Reagan Krueger (and either a baby sister or brother, soon to be born) of Nebraska; Peyton Adams of Holyoke, Avery and Maddie Adams of Eaton, and Christian Loya of Holyoke; and sibling Carl P. Gerstenschlager of Harbor Beach, Michigan.

Joyce was preceded in death by a grandson, Jamie Badding, and her siblings: Betty (Elmer) Nieschulz, Lloyd Gerstenschlager, Donna (Ralph) Landenberg, and Edwin Gerstenschlager.

Funeral services for Joyce will be Tuesday, March 30, 2021, at 2:00 p.m. at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Amherst, with Pastor Kurt Hatteburg officiating. Burial will follow in the Amherst Cemetery. Visitation for Joyce will be Monday, March 29 from 4:00-6:00 p.m. at the Baucke Funeral Home.

Memorials may be made to St. Paul’s Lutheran Church with proceeds to be designated at a later date.

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