Merry L. Kruger dies at 63
Merry L. Kruger age 63 of Charles City died Monday, June 27, 2016, at Hospice of North Iowa in Mason City. Funeral services will be held 11 a.m. Friday, July 1, 2016, at Hugeback - Johnson Funeral Home, New Hampton, with Pastor Kevin Frey officiating. Friends may greet the family 4 to 7 p.m. Thursday, June 30, 2016, at Hugeback - Johnson Funeral Home in New Hampton. Visitation continues an hour prior to the service at the funeral home on Friday. Online condolences for Merry’s family may be left at hugebackfuneralhome.comMerry Lynne Kruger was born December 25, 1952, in Mason City, the daughter of Wilbur and Altha (Elliott) Kotz. She attended grade school in New Hampton and was a 1971 graduate of New Hampton High School. Upon graduating, Merry worked helping her family for several years. Merry went on a date with Richard Kruger on Valentines Day in 1975, and the couple was married January 26, 1976. To this union four children were born.When the children were young, Merry stayed home taking care of them until they reached school age. Merry was employed at Beatrice Foods in Fredericksburg for 14 years until the plant was closed. She then took a position at Con Agra foods in Charles City, working for the company for 13 years before retiring in April of 2016.Merry was a creative person that enjoyed decorating her home and sharing her eye for interior design with all her family and friends. It was very typical of her to suggest a new paint color or different furniture arrangement while visiting her sister's or daughter's home. She would even help make these improvements herself and many who know her can recall a time when you painted a room, moved couches, or rehung wall décor with her. Merry and Richard enjoyed attending car events together and cruising in their 1966 Plymouth Belvedere Convertible. Merry loved spending time with her family and cherished the moments when everyone could get together for the holidays or a special occasion. Merry is survived be her husband of 40 years, Richard; three daughters, Mandy (Chris) Blackmon of Cedar Park Texas; Angie (Jason) LaPolice of Rochester, Minn; Emily Kruger (Scott) of Charles City, one son, Matthew Kruger of Charles City; ten grandchildren, Levi, Kailynne, Ericka, Devin, Aubrey, Lucas, Elizabeth, Dominic, Layla, and Cameron; two brothers, Tom (Michelle) Kotz of Lamon; Robb (Cindy) Kotz of New Hampton; three sisters, Pat Fickbohm of Des Moines; Kate (Mark) Van Tassel of Rochester, Minn; Sue Ann Kotz of Cedar Falls; twenty nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents; sister, LaLonna Kotz; brother Wilbur Kotz.
