Lloyd O. Kreuger

Left Formation June 6, 2010

Lloyd O. Krueger, age 88, died Sunday, June 6, 2010, at the VA Hospital in Madison. Just recently Lloyd had said; his was an incredible life, having accomplished more than he ever dreamed.

Growing up in Wausau, Lloyd was introduced to the building trades. His father owned a plaster contracting business, requiring long hours after school and the summer. He went to Wausau High School, excelling both scholastically and athletically. He ran in tandem his junior and senior year with Elroy "Crazy Legs" Hirsch, going undefeated all four years on the gridiron.

After working for a year to raise money for college, Lloyd started school at the UW-Madison where he met his future wife, Norma A. Schmidt. Their first date was Dec. 7. 1941. T he war interrupted both education and romance.

Lloyd joined the Army Air Corps in early 1942. He was chosen for flight school and later navigation school. He was assigned to the 95th Bomb Group at Horham, England flying B-17s. He soon became lead navigator, flying with many crews, completing 35 combat missions. He often said he was one of the few servicemen placed in a job he was meant to do. He was awarded a Distinguished Flying Cross, three Presidential Citations and an Air Metal with three oak clusters.

After finishing combat, Lloyd returned home to marry his sweetheart, Norma. They would remain together for 59 years and raise four children.

His chosen profession was architect and engineer after graduating from the University of Michigan. Lloyd has a legacy of landmark buildings, from Holy Name Seminary to the donated Chapel at Oregon State Prison. He was most proud of his instrumental work at building Ridgewood Pool on Madison's Westside.

Throughout his life, he was an artist, painting and carving. He completed a wood carving of an air crewman that now stands in the main entrance to the 8th Air Force Museum in Savannah, Ga. As adept with a brush, Lloyd used a pen to write poetry and sonnets. He completed and published three books, and prior to his death he had started his fourth.

After Norma's passing in 2003, Lloyd met his current wife, Fay Brooks, corresponding internationally. Fay decided to come to the U.S. from Australia and the two were married in May 2005. Fay and Lloyd enjoyed traveling to numerous countries including Australia and England.

As one of his grandkids stated, Lloyd was an author, artist and architect, and that's just the A's.

Lloyd is survived by his current wife, Fay; two brothers, Harvey and Robert; and a sister, Betty. He is also survived by his four children, Ellen, Norma, Karen and Karl; 12 grandchildren; 12 great- grandchildren; and a great-great-grandchild.

Lloyd was an honest, hard-working man. His friendships span many states and countries. Lloyd has left a true mark on many lives and will be missed. After this life, he needs a rest.

A memorial service in Lloyd's honor will be held from 2 p.m. until 4 p.m. on Sunday, June 13, 2010, with full military honors accorded at 4 p.m. at the ELLEST AD CAMACHO FUNERAL HOME, 500 N. 8th St. in Mount Horeb.