Steven J. Krueger head-banged his way into Heaven on Friday, November 10, 2017, where he was surely greeted at the Pearly Gates by family, friends, and departed members of Steppenwolf singing “Born to be Wild”. He was born on May 21, 1954 to Ronald and Shirley Krueger, but was definitely devoted to his grandmother, who lived upstairs and no doubt spoiled him rotten.
It was a fall evening in 1972 when Steve made the smartest decision of his life by accepting an invitation to a Sadie Hawkins dance from Marla Heiden. They married in 1974, and had two daughters, Jennifer and Kristin. It was clearly Steve’s destiny to be surrounded by beautiful girls, which he accepted with humor, grace, and a whole lot of patience, especially when all of his toiletries magically appeared in the “creepy” green bathroom near the basement.
Steve was a unique man, who was a stable oak tree for his family and a constant source of laughter. He amused us with stories of alien abductions, his love of Halloween (and scaring his family, including chasing his children outside with a mask on, in his socks), and wearing face make-up for the Alice Cooper concert. In the spirit of “don’t change your material, change your audience”, Steve’s sense of humor influenced his grandchildren, Noah, Sophie, and Eleanor. They will always remember their grandpa’s alter ego, Pirate Pete, and how he played babies, who he named Maggie May and Susie Q.
Steve worked for Oshkosh Corporation for over 40 years, and was a devoted member of his union. Steve was especially proud when he was elected by the U.A.W. 578 membership to serve as Recording Secretary and President prior to his retirement in 2016. When Steve was diagnosed with brain cancer in 2004, he did not shy away from any conversations about it, hoping that his journey might help others struggling with cancer.
A celebration of all things Steve will take place at Seefeld Funeral Home on Thursday, November 16, 2017 at 12:00 p.m. Friends will be received at the funeral home from 10:00 a.m. until the time of the service. Burial will be in Peace Lutheran Cemetery, Oshkosh.
Steve was especially affected by children with cancer, and it was his deepest wish to make a large donation to UW Children’s Hospital “Kids with Cancer” fund. In lieu of flowers, we ask that you make that donation in memory of Steve. Online gifts can be made by selecting “GIVE NOW” at www.uwhealth.org/fightkidscancer or a check can be made to American Family Children’s Hospital UW Cancer Fund with Steve’s name in the memo to: UW Foundation, US Bank Lockbox 78807, Milwaukee, WI 53278-0807.

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