Ronald W. Krueger, age 79, of Merrill, passed away Saturday, February 16, 2019 at Aspirus Wausau Hospital. Ronald was born July 8, 1939, in Wausau, son of the late Roman and Frieda (Radenz) Krueger. He married Ann Zemke on September 17, 1960. She preceded him in death on July 12, 2008. Ron enlisted in the United States Marine Corps in 1956. He was stationed in Taiwan and Japan and was honorably discharged in 1959. Ron was a life member of VFW Post 1638, Merrill. Ron was first appointed as a Deputy Sheriff in 1969 where he initially served as a radio dispatcher and jailer. Prior to his appointment, he had served part-time as a constable. In 1973, Ron was named the Outstanding Young Law Enforcement Officer of the year by the Merrill Jaycee’s. He was a 1977 graduate of the prestigious FBI National Academy. Ron was first elected Sheriff of Lincoln County in 1975 and served until 1992. He was re-elected in 1995 and served in that capacity until his retirement in January of 1997. Ron oversaw the formation of the agency’s very first Special Response Team, its Youth Aid Bureau and Detective Division. He also oversaw the construction of the new Safety Building in the 1980’s, served as a leader in the Wisconsin Sheriff’s and Deputy Sheriff’s Associations, and the Badger State Sheriff’s Association where he served as President in 1979. While he was Sheriff, he served as vice chairman of the Lincoln County Highway Safety Committee, was a state certified snowmobile safety instructor, served as a member of the Police Science Advisory Committee for Northcentral Technical College, and was a member of the Jailor Training Advisory Committee for the University of Wisconsin Extension. He was a former member of the Fraternal Order of Eagles and the Merrill Optimist Club. He also served on the Lincoln County Board of Supervisors, the Law Enforcement and EMC Committee, and the Pine Crest Nursing Home Board. Ron was a member of St. Stephens United Church of Christ, Merrill. Prior to working for the Sheriff’s Office, Ron worked at the Fromm Farm, the former Pine River Cheese factory, the Co-Op and Foremost Farms. Ron enjoyed working on small engines and had worked for B&D Motors for many years. Ron and his wife, Ann, enjoyed traveling in their motorhome to follow their son Brian’s band. They also enjoyed visiting Gulf Shores, Alabama, taking car rides, and spending time up at their camper. Ron also enjoyed gardening and sharing his crops.
Survivors include his daughter, Shari (Jared) Schubert of Merrill; sons, Michael W. (Liz) Krueger, Dennis J. Krueger and Brian (Missy) Krueger all of Merrill; four grandchildren, Michelle Roberge, Eric (Dana) Woller, Brandon Krueger and Elizabeth Krueger; four step grandchildren, Kathy, Travis, James and Jenna; six great-grandchildren, Allison, Caleb, Jayden, Kylie, Ailyn and Peyton; one step great-granddaughter, Evie; two sisters-in-law, Jean Krueger of Wausau and Patsy (Dan) Pick of Merrill; niece, Missy (Dennis) Ruge of Merrill; and nephew, Dan (Tammy) Pick of Merrill. Ron was preceded in death by his wife, Ann Krueger; infant granddaughter; parents, Roman and Frieda Krueger; brother, James Krueger; brother and sister-in-law, Wilmer (Audrey) Krueger; and nephews, Steven and Al Krueger.
A visitation for Ron will be held from 4:00 P.M. until 7:00 P.M. Thursday, February 21, 2019 at the Taylor-Stine Funeral Home, Merrill. A private funeral service will be held. Online condolences may be made at www.taylorstinefuneralhome.com