Walter "Wally" Krueger, age 84, passed away peacefully on May 22, 2026.

Born on December 5, 1941, to Walter and Hazel Krueger, he was the first of eleven children and proudly carried that role throughout his life.  From an early age, he developed the strong work ethic, leadership and love of family that would define him for decades to come.

As a young man, he enjoyed tractor pulling at the Gillett Fair and graduated from Gillett High School in 1960.  Shortly after graduation, he joined the Wisconsin Army National Guard and was activated during the Berlin Crisis of 1961, taking the troop train to Fort Lewis in Washington.

After returning to Wisconsin, he worked at Great Northern Container in Appleton before beginning his career as an electrician with Suburban Electric.  While also working part-time for Schultz Oil, he formed lifelong friendships and discovered another passion that would become part of his life for years to come—drag racing.

In 1980, alongside his wife Deborah, he founded Krueger Electric Inc., wiring countless homes and businesses throughout the Fox Valley area.  Never one to slow down, he later started several additional successful businesses, always driven by the desire to build something meaningful to pass on to his children and grandchildren.

Outside of work, he truly loved being outdoors.  Hunting, fishing, snowmobiling, and collecting cars and tractors were among his greatest passions.  Later, when his son was in high school, he returned to drag racing and spent years traveling with family and friends to tracks across the country. They both enjoyed a few wins along the way.  One of his proudest accomplishments came when he won Stock Eliminator at the first NHRA national event he ever entered in Joliet, IL in June 2004.

In later years, he rekindled his love of tractors, restoring the original family Case tractor and dreaming about getting back into tractor pulling.  He even talked often about farming again—proof that his love for hard work and the outdoors never faded.

Above all else, he loved his family.  He especially treasured time spent with his grandchildren.  Whether attending events, sharing stories, or simply making memories together, nothing brought him greater joy.  He especially loved being Santa Claus for his family, a role he embraced with a twinkle in his eye that won't soon be forgotten.

He will be remembered for his boundless energy, adventurous spirit, entrepreneurial mind, and his rare ability to make even hard work feel enjoyable.  His quick wit and sense of humor added lightness and warmth to everyday moments. Yet beyond the businesses he built, the races he won, and the many projects he brought to life, what will endure most is the life he created surrounded by family, friendship and the people he loved most.

He is survived by his loving wife, Deborah; his children, Karen (John) and Jason (Moema); and his beloved grandchildren, Christian, Emma, Liam, and Sienna, to all of whom his life and values will forever be a source of inspiration and pride.

He is also survived by his siblings: Marilynn (Jim), David (Deenie), Doug (Mary), Tom (Ellen), Ginny, John (Vicki), Matt (Becky), Karen, and Steve (Mary); his in-laws: Regina (Gary), John (Wendy), David (Sue), and mother-in-law: Bernice; along with numerous nieces, nephews, relatives and many dear friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents; father-in-law: Richard; sister: Faye; brothers-in-law: Craig and Audie; and nephew: Daren.

His life will be honored with a service at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, May 29, 2026, at FIRST ENGLISH LUTHERAN CHURCH – NORTH SITE, 6331 N Ballard Road, Appleton.  Friends may visit from 9:00 a.m. until the time of service.