LaVila Jane (Buch) Krueger

LaVila Jane (Buch) Krueger, age 86, of Merrill, passed away peacefully on Thursday, November 17, 2022, at Applegate Terrace in Wausau.

LaVila was born on July 20, 1936, to Rheinard and Bertha (Hahn) Buch. LaVila graduated from Merrill High School.  On May 11, 1957, LaVila was united in marriage to the love of her life, Eugene “Fuzzy” Krueger at Immanuel Lutheran Church, Town of Corning. They made their home together at the former Leafy Grove School that they remodeled which was built in 1926, and this was where they raised their three children, Cindy, Steve, and Terry. Eugene passed away on November 4, 2008.

LaVila was a loving, easygoing, and patient woman. She had a very sharp mind and gentle persistence in how she would interact with her family – even down to the details about her favorite family tradition of decorating her Christmas tree. If she needed to, she wasn’t afraid to give a gentle finger wag of disapproval accompanied by a gentle, “I don’t think so.” She was a brilliant cook and never needed a recipe. She made the best cheesecake, soups, potato salad, and Packer Jello. LaVila and Eugene enjoyed polka and line dancing and visiting Door County. Her most treasured moments were the ones she spent with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

LaVila was active with Immanuel’s Ladies League and Choir, regularly cooking and baking for church functions as well as for the VFW and Venison Feed.

LaVila will forever be remembered by her children, Cindy (Brian) Lezotte, Steven (Karen) Krueger, and Terry (Beth) Krueger; grandchildren, Christy (Jason) Haller, Matthew (Erin) Koehler, Stacy (Brian) Literski, Brindy (Matt) Literski, Bryce (Cassie) Lezotte, Brian (Cassey) Krueger, Sarah (Nathan) Rahe, Joshua Krueger, Camilla Krueger, and Allie Schwarzhuber; 17 great-grandchildren; nieces and nephews; many other friends and relatives; and her beloved cat, Cutie Marie.

LaVila was preceded in death by her loving husband, Eugene “Fuzzy”; grandson, Jacob Lezotte; parents, Rheinard and Bertha; brother, Earl (Arlene) Buch; and nephew, Darrel Buch.

A Funeral Service will be held for LaVila at 11:00 AM on Tuesday, November 22, 2022, at Immanuel Lutheran Church (N1660 Leafy Grove Rd, Merrill, WI 54452) with Pastor Joel Danner officiating. A public visitation will be held from 9:00 AM – 11:00 AM prior to the service at the church.

LaVila will be interred next to her husband, Eugene, at Immanuel Lutheran Church Cemetery.

LaVila’s family would like to thank the staff at Applegate Terrace in Wausau for their wonderful care and support while making her feel at home over the last year.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in LaVila’s name to Immanuel Lutheran Church.

Waid Funeral Home & Cremation Service of Merrill is assisting the family with arrangements.  Online condolences are encouraged and may be made at www.waidfuneral.com.