Christina Krueger

Christina Krueger
August 29, 1930 – February 28, 2023

Born Christina Schuettke, with no middle name – she thought her middle name was Irene until she saw her birth certificate at age 18 and found her parents had not given her one. She was born on August 29, 1930 to Erich Herman Schuettke and Christine Lucile Matilda (Phetteplace) Schuettke in a hospital in Rice Lake (Barron County), Wisconsin. She passed away in Bremerton, Washington on February 28, 2023 after a short illness.

She was the third child of six children to make it to adulthood. Her siblings were Charles, Roger, Margaret, Ruth, George (who died at two months), and Carl. All, but her sister Ruth have preceded her in death.
She is survived by her husband, Orton Glen Krueger of the family home. Christina and Orton were married on August 5, 1951 at the First Christian Church in Bremerton, Washington. This last August (2022) they celebrated 71 years of marriage.

She is survived by her three children, Roger Z Krueger, Christine K Wilkinson, and James O Krueger; six grandchildren, Joseph S Krueger, Erin L Krueger, Colby M Bode, Caleb M Krueger, Hallie I C Lawlor, and Jacob (Jake) S Krueger; five great-grandchildren, Fallon Grace Krueger, Simon Reed Krueger, John Otto Lawlor, Corianna Evelyn Lawlor, James Grey Lawlor (with two more on the way), and many nieces and nephews.

She also survived by many friends.

I always enjoyed hearing her describe her plans for the next great family reunion. I remember one year her theme included each family creating a totem pole. She was always so excited about getting her family together.

Christina was a multi-talented artist. She was a super Mother, Grandmother, and Great-Grandmother, an expert painter, quilt-maker and seamstress, photographer, gardener, cook, and baker. She may not of held any formal college degrees, but her understanding of world affairs, politics, psychology, and communication skills would have been worth a Doctorate from many a college or university. Her strongest talent, by far, was the intelligent, kind manner and understanding when she interacted with family and friends. Family was her top priority and as you got to know her you became family too!

Mom was a very wise woman and allowed us kids to grow up to adulthood and become friends with her on an equal footing, though every once in a while, she would say, ’I have to be your Mother right now.’ Wow, that kind of nurturing allowed us all to become the kind of individuals she wanted us to become, our own person. I will always be grateful to her for all the love and insight she gave us.

Christina was initiated into the Order of Eastern Star at Port Orchard Chapter #44 in Washington State on Thursday, October 25, 1979 and was a 43 year member. She was Worthy Matron of Port Orchard Chapter three times; 1985-1986 with husband, Orton Krueger as her Worthy Patron; in 1997-1998 with husband, Orton as her Worthy Patron; and in 2013-2014 with Brendon Blacknall as her Worthy Patron. She was a Deputy Instructor for PGP Mabel Linbo in 1988-1989 and her group was known as the “Deputy Ducks.” In 1989-1990 she served the Grand Chapter as Grand Adah for PGM Anne Hendrex and PGP Ernest Brooks. At the time of her passing she was serving Port Orchard Chapter as Martha.

Christina & Ort were a wonderful addition to the Eastern Star Deputy Ducks in 1988. Jim & I had wonderful times with Christina & Ort on the Star Trail. When I was Grand Chaplain in 1990-91, Christina painted a life-sized rendition of the Good Shephard on a 4' by 8' plywood, It was the center piece of the Memorial Service for Grand Chapter.

Members of Givens Community Center’s “Painting Ladies and Gents” wrote:
Christina was an amazing woman & artist.” “She was a kind, caring woman and a talented artist. I loved her smile and how she was always willing to show us how to fix a painting. She brought joy to our painting group and delicious homemade treats. I am glad that I knew her and will miss her.

Thinking of you all, the wonderful family that meant so much to her. She will be truly missed. I am so grateful for all the warm memories of such a caring and incredible lady.

Christina, Orton, Ken and I took a trip together to Alaska. We traveled there on the Alaska ferry through the inland passage. It was a wonderful trip with great friends. Christina and I took our sketch books and cameras and found so many great things to sketch and took hundreds of pictures. We left on the trip as friends and returned great friends.

Another adventure Christina and I had together was when we audited a painting class at the college. I think the large painting Christina had hanging in her living room was one she finished during that class.
She was a dear friend and I learned so much from her. Gardening, cooking, quilting, painting, sketching and much more.
After I moved to Colorado we still stayed in close contact over the phone. I will miss my dear friend.

A member of the f:67 Camera Club wrote:
Christina was a cherished, generous, and talented member of f:67 camera club. She was granted life-long membership status recognizing her importance to the club and members. Through the years she earned virtually all of the awards and trophies the club offered for her various photographic achievements in different areas. Her artistic bent was expressed in other ways than just photography, but that artistry added even more sensitivity and creativity to her photos. Together, she and Ort were instrumental in helping to showcase the annual dinner and salon. She and Ort opened their home for different occasions, but the annual Christmas party, decked out with all manner of good cheer inside and out, was a highlight for many. She leaves a big hole in the hearts of the many friends she cultivated.

A Memorial Service for Christina Krueger will be held on Sunday, April 30, 2023 at 2 PM at the Port Orchard Masonic Temple (1025 Sidney, Port Orchard, Washington)

Refreshments will follow.