Loretta Krueger

Krueger, Loretta (Moccero)

Loretta (Moccero) Krueger, aged 72 passed away surrounded by family on October 8, 2013 at Agrace Hospice in Fitchburg, Wisconsin. Beautiful, kind and caring to all who knew her, Loretta was born in Janesville, Wisconsin to Mary Magdelene (Falci) and Thomas Moccero. She graduated from Janesville High School in 1959 and Green County Teachers College in 1961. Her first teaching job was at Harmony School, where she taught fifth and sixth grades. She formed a special bond with these students and stayed in touch with many of them until her death. She continued her education at Cardinal Stritch and the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater majoring in special education and went on to teach the first special education class at Milton West.

On February 8, 1964, Loretta married John Frederick Krueger at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Janesville. Loretta and John spent much of their early years together fishing, playing poker, traveling, dancing, enjoying cultural and sporting events and spending time with family and friends. At the age of 26 she and John were asked to and accepted positions as facilitators of Rock County's first men's half-way house. The position only lasted a couple of years, but the bonds with these men lasted a lifetime. In 1969 they decided to go into business and throughout the 1970's Loretta and John owned and operated The Everything Shoppe, a second-hand and antique store as well as owning and managing several rental properties. The store was an extension of their live, where they met wonderful people and developed lasting friendships.

In 1974 Loretta was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis. This caused her to cut back on many of the activities she loved. However, as her MS progressed, her enthusiasm for sports grew stronger. She was a dedicated spectator of tennis, hockey, basketball and football - she was a fan of all teams.

Throughout her life Loretta gave much to the community in which she lived. Some of her volunteer work included assisting troop leaders with the Girl Scouts and working with the 4-H as well as being a Meals on Wheels coordinator for over 30 years for St. John Vianney Catholic Church. Her additional church work included being a youth minister, marriage encounter counselor and confirmation facilitator. She was on the board of directors of the Rock County Easter Seals Society and co-founded a multiple sclerosis support group with Dale Dopkins and Dick Angiello. She also started a support group for women with physical disabilities with her friend Sheela Arnold.

She was preceded in death by her parents Tom and Mary, brother James, husband John, sister Santina York, and brother-in-law Andrew York.

Loretta is survived by her children: Kristine (Scott Philips) Krueger, Kimberly (John) Caviggiola and Matthew Krueger, sister Antoinette (John) Collins, cousin Dick Moccero - whom she shared a special lifelong bond, many other cousins; nieces; nephews; a daughter-like relationship with Brenda Fitzmaurice and granddaughter-like relationships with Emilee Denman and Audra Gorman. Three very special friends that stuck with Loretta through good times and never shied away in bad times are Linda (Stuckey) Carey, Kitty Lee and Faith Stockheimer.

It is with gratitude and appreciation that Loretta's family acknowledges the home health aides, CNA's, nurses and administrators at Alternative Home Care, Mercy Home Health, BrightStar Care and Agrace Hospice Center. You treated Mom with care, compassion, respect and dignity and assisted in her independence, helping her live life on her terms.

Loretta was generous, humble, compassionate and accepting. She had a gentle, kind spirit that shined through her large dark brown eyes and contagious smile. She was often heard saying and repeated again a few days before she died, "There but for the grace of God, go I."

A celebration of Loretta's life will be held on Sunday October 20th at Rotary Gardens, 1455 Palmer Dr., Janesville. Visitation will start at 11:30 with the ceremony beginning at 1:30 pm. Father Michael Bertram of St. Francis of Assisi Parish Milwaukee will officiate. Coffee and dessert will follow. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Agrace Hospice - in memory of Loretta Krueger, 5395 E Cheryl Parkway, Madison, WI 53711.

For questions or more information about the celebration, please contact Loretta's children at 7911 N. Links Circle, Fox Point, WI 53217. 414-702-2256

Informed Choice Funeral & Cremation Alternatives
3325 E. Washington Avenue
608-249-6758
www.informedchoicefunerals.com