"Please accept our sincere sympathy at this sad time. As we read about Deb?s experiences, we are thankful she used her talents in so many ways during her short life. May Deb Rest In Peace. Ed and Gwyn Augustine"
In loving memory of
Deb "D.J." Krueger
October 19, 1971 - January 14, 2021
LYLES, TN-Debra (Deb) Jean Krueger, age 49, of Lyles, Tennessee, passed away January 14, 2021 at Alive Hospice inpatient Unit in Nashville, Tennessee after her long year and a half battle with cancer.
Deb was born to Kenneth and Lynda (Hahn) Krueger on October 19, 1971 in Ottumwa, Iowa. After graduating from Pekin High School in 1990, she went to Concordia University in Seward, Nebraska for two years before transferring to the University of Northern Iowa in Cedar Falls, Iowa. She graduated in 1996 with a degree in Leisure Services. Deb's heart for children, camp ministry and outdoor adventures took her many places throughout her life. She spent several summers as a camp counselor and summer program director at Camp Io-Dis-E-Ca in Solon, Iowa before spending a year in Estes Park, Colorado as an activities director at a local youth ministry camp. After Colorado her adventurous heart took her to Tennessee where she began working as a full-time nanny. The family ultimately moved to Boston, and she had the opportunity to move with them but she loved the Nashville area and had made many friends, and decided to make it her home. She began working as the facilities and communications coordinator for a church in East Brentwood before seizing the opportunity to work as a program director then director at NaCoMe Camp and Retreat Center in Pleasantville, Tennessee. While she loved her job, her love of helping people, compassion, and caring nature ultimately inspired her to further her education by going to EMT school to support the community she cared about so much. Deb graduated with Cum Laude honors from Columbia State Community College and began working as an AEMT and ER Technician. Those who knew Deb knew she was never afraid of hard work or getting a little dirty. She loved the outdoors, spending time with those she was closest to, taking care of her animals, making crafts, wood working and the Chicago Bears.
She is preceded in death by her grandparents Lawrence and Edna Hahn, Arnold and Velma Krueger, Great Uncle Raymond Pitsch, Uncle Eugene Snakenberg, adoptive grandparents and close friends. She is survived by her parents Kenneth and Lynda Krueger of Ollie, brother Rick (Kristina) Krueger of Sigourney, sister Kathy (Andrew) Guy of Phoenix, Arizona, nephew Ty Krueger, Aunt Maryetta Snakenberg, Uncle Robert (Judith) Krueger, cousins and many friends in Iowa and Tennessee.
Private family funeral service will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, January 23, 2021, at Powell Funeral Home in Sigourney. The service will also be livestreamed on the Powell Funeral Home facebook page. Burial will be at St. Martin's Lutheran Cemetery near What Cheer. Visitation will be from 4:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. on Friday, January 22, 2021, at the funeral home.
In lieu of flowers donations can be made in her name to Hickman County EMS or the Humane Society and mailed to Rick Krueger, 904 E. Pleasant Valley, Sigourney, IA 52591. Powell Funeral Home and Cremation Service in Sigourney is caring for Deb and her family. Tributes may be made at www.powellfuneralhomes.com.
Tributes
"I graduated with Debbie from Pekin in May of 1990, after spending 13 years together in school. Debbie was always very athletic, very kind. I envied her for how athletic she was. I honestly don\'t think I ever heard her utter one bad thing about another person ever. I reconnected with Debbie this past year of 2020 and learned of all of her trials and tribulations. We exchanged our cancer stories and through it all, she stayed so positive. I know she had a passion for animals. I know she was close to God as well. I am praying for the entire Krueger family. (Rick, thank you very much for making sure my dad knew). You are all in my prayers. Debbie will be missed. "
"I am stunned to hear of Deb\'s passing. She was such a kind and loving person and always a good friend to me. My deepest sympathies and love to your entire family. "
"Ken and Lynda, My deepest sympathy to you and all of the family. My fondest memories of Deb are of her as a young adult. She so enjoyed working at camps with other young people. I always admired her adventuresome spirit! "
"Martha Qualls I became friends with Deb at Nacome Camp and I also cut her hair. I thought a lot of Deb. Fly high my friend."
"Deb became a friend of mine at Pleasantville Market & Restaurant ( while I still had it open). After I closed my restaurant I needed a job and 1 1/2 weeks later Deb hired me at NaCoMe Camp as a Food Service Coordinator. I truly enjoyed working with Deb, but most of all she was my friend. I will always remember her for her love of animals, nature and all people. She will truly be missed!"
"Lynda and family - May God wrap you in his arms and give you comfort. You are in my prayers."
"Gone too soon sweet friend...love yo your family "
"Sorry to hear this - hugs and prayers for comfort. Kathy & Wayne Kracht "
"Can't believe she is gone and am so sorry for all she had to go through during the last couple of years. She was very special and my family and I loved her very much."
"Sending love, peace and payers to all friends and family at this difficult time. "