Ethel Estelle (Buck) Kruger, 87, passed away peacefully at her home in Cameron, Wisconsin surrounded by family on October 16, 2022.

Ethel is survived by her husband Franklin (Pete) Kruger; children Steven Kruger (Lori), Bradley Kruger (Sharon), and Roxanne Kruger; grandchildren Sarah Kruger (Chase), Emily Kruger (Alex), and Megan Monahan; great grandchildren Madelyn, Brooks, and Granger; and sisters Doris Ward and Barbara Hanley (Bill).

Ethel is preceded in death by her parents Howard (Sr.) and Pearl (Downs) Buck and siblings Clyde Buck, Geneva Bartlett, Howard Buck Jr., and Marjorie Porath.

Ethel was born on March 25th, 1935, in the Town of Maple Grove near Barron, Wisconsin to Howard (Sr.) and Pearl Buck.

She grew up on family farms in the Barron and Cameron areas. After marrying her husband, Pete, they raised a family living in various locations including California, Illinois, Iowa, and Wisconsin. In 1971, the family moved to Cameron where they farmed land purchased from Ethel’s parents. In addition to working on the farm, Ethel obtained a real estate license and eventually became part owner of Team Realty. She enjoyed helping people purchase or sell their homes, making many friends during her years as a real estate agent. Co-workers Layne Grover, Cookie Hagen, and Judy Markgren remained close friends following Ethel’s retirement. Ethel enjoyed traveling, exploring new locations, whitewater rafting, stargazing (always on the lookout for those Northern Lights), rockhounding, and spending time with family and friends. Ethel claimed she was born under a wandering star, so the time spent as a “snowbird” exploring Arizona, Texas, and places in between after retirement provided many memorable experiences. Ethel’s sister Barbara and brother-in-law Bill were frequent travel partners, and they spent many wonderful times with Ethel and Pete. Many thanks for the love and support they provided over the years! Ethel was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and great grandmother, and will be greatly missed by her family and friends.

A special thank you to the loving and caring support provided by Austin and Jacky (Northern Neighbors) and the hospice staff from the Mayo Clinic Health System.

A celebration of life will be held at a date and time to be announced. Donations can be made to the Alzheimer’s Association or American Cancer Society.

Appleyard’s Home for Funerals in Rice Lake, WI is assisting the family with the arrangements.

Last Update: Oct 18, 2022 5:45 am CDT