Carol Ann Krueger

Carol Ann (Marturano) Krueger, age 81, passed away in her home with family at her side on April 9th, 2022, after a long and courageous battle with cancer. Carol Ann was born on November 4th, 1940, to Joseph Gamble Joe and Estella (Graff) Marturano. Her devotion to her family began at a young age when she spent many days helping her father run the local hardware store. She was very aware of her parents accomplishments and was eager to create her own. She graduated from Madelia High School in 1958, studied nursing for a year at St. Catherine University in St. Paul and then completed one year of beauty school in Mankato, MN. Carol was united in marriage to James L. Krueger on January 2nd, 1960 at Saints Peter and Paul Catholic Church in Mankato, MN. Together they had 3 children, son Steven Joseph and daughters Christine Ann and Cindy Jean. Carol wanted to give back to the community and in 1970 she became the first woman to join the Madelia Community ambulance where she served as an EMT for 12 years. As a member of St. Marys Catholic Church, she used the knowledge of her religion to teach Faith Formation classes for 5 years. Her determination and outspokenness also led her to become an active member in supporting local politicians. She had a voice that wanted to be heard and used it whenever she could. Carol considered herself a loud and proud rockhound, which shows true if youve noticed her landscaping theme. Her love of rocks, nature and wildlife sparked many trips out West to the mountains. She always made sure to pack light in case she came across a rock that she needed to bring home for her collection. Her fascination quickly extended past the physical looks of rocks and focused on the evolution and strength that they resembled. Carols connection to nature helped guide her through life and often comforted her. There was never a problem that rearranging rocks couldnt fix. On days she couldnt be outdoors, Carol would spend her time scrapbooking. Her love of history quickly became incorporated as she filled the pages with anything she could find to tell her familys story. From anniversary napkins and program booklets to family photos and newspaper articles, she truly earned her title as the family historian. These artistic archives eventually became the books she would read to her grandchildren and great-grandchildren to instill the importance of family to her future generations. She cherished every minute with her immediate family as well as time with her many aunts and uncles, nieces and nephews, and generations of cousins. Carol is survived by her husband of 62 years Jim, children Steve (Judi) Krueger, Christine (John) Smeed, Cindy Krueger; grandchildren Nikki (Brent) Massmann, Kelly Krueger, Paula (Paul) Charpentier, Joseph Krueger, Danielle, Andrew and Benjamin Smeed; great-grandchildren-Anna, Luke, Leah, Shaina, Julianna, Amelia, Lydia and James. She is also survived by her sister, Jean Des Lauriers, 3 sisters-in-law and many cousins, nieces and nephews. She is preceded in death by her parents, 3 brothers-in-law and 2 sisters-in-law. Visitation and Celebration of Life with Carols family will be in Madelia. Visitation 1 5:00 pm - 7:00 pm Friday, May 6, 2022 Sturm Funeral Home, Pilgrim Chapel 303 E. Main St. Madelia, Minnesota, United States 56062 Prayer service to begin at 6:30pm. Visitation 2 10:00 am - 11:00 am Saturday, May 7, 2022 St. Mary's Catholic Church, Madelia 223 1st St. NE Madelia, Minnesota, United States 56062 Service Information 11:00 am Saturday, May 7, 2022 St. Mary's Catholic Church, Madelia 223 1st St. NE Madelia, Minnesota, United States 56062 Luncheon There will be a lunch served at St. Mary's Catholic School immediately following the funeral. Interment Interment will take place at a later date.