Harland "Bill" W. Krueger

Harland W. (Bill) Krueger, age 88, passed away peacefully with his daughters by his side on Thursday, January 26, 2023. He was born in Oshkosh on August 29, 1934, to the late Harland and Katherine (Bates) Krueger. In 1952 at the age of 18, Bill joined the United States Marine Corps and proudly served as part of the United Nations Expeditionary Force during the Korean Conflict. He returned to Oshkosh and married Donna J. Miller of Cambridge, Maryland, with whom he would spend the next 50 years. Together, they raised five beautiful daughters. Bill was a self-made man, whose keen eye and artistic sensibilities would lead him to start his own photography business. While he found his greatest success as a commercial photographer (e.g., his ongoing contributions to the once omnipresent Miles Kimball catalog), Bill actually preferred shooting outdoor images, focusing his lens on landscapes, plants, and wildlife. Another favorite subject was his family, as Bill never tired (although they did) of having his children pose for him in his studio. After a career spanning decades he retired from his business, but he was in no way done creating beautiful effects. Bill brought his aesthetic vision to the Oshkosh Public Museum, where he worked as a photographer to preserve the history and heritage of the place he called home.

Bill was always active, whether it be tinkering with his assemblage of vintage jukeboxes or simply taking long walks with his daughters. He appreciated great music, especially the standards, and books, principally those full of vibrant colors. Bill made instant connections with people he met and had a special place in his heart for animals, especially his beloved friend and companion, Henry. And of course, he was an avid collector of just about anything that could be collected.

Bill is survived by his daughters, Jody (Scott) Hutchinson, Sharli Mockus, Jenny Stusek, and Melanie (Joe) Weber; his grandchildren, Jennifer Baker, Katie Davis, Peter Davis, Marla Mockus, Mindi (John) Prather, Joe (Jade) Weber, Jr., Mackenzie Weber, Lucas (Evlyn) Weber, Olivia (Jake) Johnson, and Charlie Weber; and his 11 great-grandchildren.

In addition to his parents, Bill was preceded in death by his wife, Donna, and by his daughter, Kristy (Gary) Davis.

A private celebration of life will be held. The family would like to give special thanks to St. Croix Hospice nurses, Bluestone Physician Services, his dear friend Max, and the caregivers at the Courtyard at Oshkosh, with special acknowledgement to Crystal, whose gentle and compassionate care of our dad was amazing to behold. Her words, “Heaven will be picture perfect,” will stay with us always.

In lieu of flowers or a memorial, please consider finding an opportunity for a random act of kindness.