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Annette "Annie" Marie (MacDonald) Krueger, age 54, passed away April 22, 2018, at Bergan Mercy Hospital, from cancer.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held Thursday, April 26, 2018, at 10 a.m. at St. Francis Borgia Catholic Church in Blair. Visitation will be held Wednesday, April 25, 2018, at the church with family receiving friends from 4 to 8 p.m. with the Rosary at 7 p.m.

Annie was born in Omaha on November 19, 1963, to Mary (Espinosa) and Robert "Leigh" MacDonald. She graduated from Blair High School. Her education continued at Baker University in Kansas for a year before she transferred to South Dakota State University, where she graduated with a bachelor's degree in fashion merchandising and home economics. Annie worked at the Richmond Gordman department store for 11 years. She married Robert Dean Krueger on May 1, 1993. She decided to become a stay-at-home mom after having her first child. She worked in the Arlington Public School system for nine years while their children were in school, and then took a job at Dodge County Title. Annie was diagnosed with cancer in August 2016. She took the challenge head on and fought the cancer every day. Annie enjoyed many hobbies including horseback riding, reading and working outside but she cherished time with her family the most.

She was preceded in death by her parents and brother-in-law, Jim Clark. She is survived by her husband Robert, son, Reece, and daughter, Holly; two sisters, Lucy Clark of The Villages, Fla., and Mary Kathryn (Earl) Larsen of Blair; brother, Dan (Brenda) MacDonald of Blair; mother and father-in-law, Kaylene and Bruce Krueger; brother-in-law, Mike Krueger; and nine nieces and nephews.

Memorials may be directed to the family for later designation.

Campbell Aman Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

#2-Published in the Omaha World Herald April 34, 2018

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Krueger, Annette "Annie" Nov 19, 1963 - Apr 22, 2018 Survived by her husband Robert; son Reece; daughter Holly; 2 sisters, Lucy Clark of The Villages FL, and Mary Kathryn (Earl) Larsen of Blair, NE; brother, Dan (Brenda) MacDonald of Blair; mother- and father-in-law, Kaylene and Bruce Krueger; brother-in-law Mike Krueger; 9 nieces and nephews. MASS of CHRISTIAN BURIAL: Thursday, April 26, at 10am at St. Francis Borgia Catholic Church in Blair. VISITATION: Wednesday, April 25, at the Church, with family Receiving friends from 4-8pm, and the ROSARY at 7pm. Campbell Aman Funeral Home 444 S. 17th Street, Blair, NE 68008

#3-Published in the Enterprise May 4, 2018 written by Teresa Hoffman

The first time Tashia Wolf met Annie Krueger, she was in awe of her dedication to her children and their education.

"She was so hands on and active and, most importantly, supportive," said Wolf, who taught Krueger's daughter, Holly, during her first year of teaching at Arlington Public Schools 14 years ago. "As a first-year teacher, she made me feel comfortable and confident in the job I was doing."

Her dedication to her family and positive attitude she had during her time as a para-educator at APS are what friends and former co-workers will remember about Krueger, who died April 22 after battling cancer. Funeral services were held April 26 at St. Francis Borgia Catholic Church in Blair.

The Blair High School graduate started as a substitute para-educator in October 2004 and was hired as a regular employee in November 2005. She left the district in May 2015.

Merrit Gilmore worked alongside Krueger for nine years in the special education classroom. She said she was "very fortunate" to have known and called her a friend.

"She was an inspiration to me and taught me so much," she said. "Annie very quickly became my friend."

Gilmore said she walked into the classroom that first year not knowing what she was doing. She said Krueger was one of thee women who "took me under their wings and taught me a lot about this job, life and friendship."

The two shared a lot of ups and downs during their tenure and the one thing that got them through was laughter. "Lots of laughter," Gilmore said, adding that she was there to lend a hand, a shoulder to cry on and for advice about being a mom or to listen to frustrations and happiness.

"There are people in your life that you look up to and want to be like," Gilmore said. "Annie is one of those people for me. She showed me what hard work was and how to be a great mom and how to be a great friend."

Jamie Smith, alternative learning teacher at APS, knew Krueger for 17 years.

"I knew Annie as a room mom before she became my para for nine years," Smith said, adding that she was an example of how everyone should be as a person.

The first year she was in the classroom, Smith said it wasn't easy and they tried to keep it light and laugh at the little things.

"I know some of the things we had to do to help the students in my special education classroom did not fit her fashion merchandising degree in the slightest, but she never complained. I think part of the reason she took the job as a para was to be closer to Reece and Holly (her children) and to be part of their school lives as her family was so important to her."

Elementary Counselor Kerri Harris described Krueger as a sweet, caring and amazing person.

"She was diligent and efficient when working, but tender and always willing to listen or help someone," Harris said. "She had incredible patience with the students she worked with, yet held high expectations for them. They adored her and worked hard to please her."

Harris admired Krueger's ability to balance being a mom to her own children while working at the school.

"It was easy to tell she was a fabulous mother too," she said. "Her kids were fun-loving and caring, much like her. We will all miss her dearly."

Supt. Lynn Johnson said Krueger was always gracious.

"Her kindness and generosity was reflected in all of her relationships and endeavors," she said. "Students had a high regard for her and her expectations of them."

Her positive attitude, never give up attitude, the impact she had on students and the fact that she was always up for a chat are other traits Wolf will remember about Krueger.

"Whether it be about school, work, our kids, or horses, Annie was always someone I enjoyed catching up with," she said. "Annie had such a positive impact on me as an educator, coach, and a person. I feel extremely fortunate to have had the opportunity to know Annie on so many different levels. She has a special place in my heart and is someone I will never forget."

Krueger is survived by her husband, Robert; son, Reece; and daughter, Holly; two sisters, Lucy Clark of The Villages, Fla., and Mary Kathryn (Earl) Larsen of Blair; brother, Dan (Brenda) MacDonald of Blair; mother and father-in-law, Kaylene and Bruce Krueger; brother-in-law, Mike Krueger; and nine nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents and brother-in-law, Jim Clark.

#3 Funeral leaflet

Funeral Leaflet (photo)

In Loving Memory of Annette Marie “Annie” Krueger

Born November 19, 1963 Omaha, Nebraska; Entered Into Rest April 22, 2018 Omaha, Nebraska

Mass of Christian Burial 10:00 AM Thursday, April 26, 2018 St. Francis Borgia Catholic Church, Blair, Nebraska. Officiating: Father Mario Rapose. Music Provided by: Lynn and Steve Sobota; Soloist: Diane Olson Sheets. Musical Selections: “Here I Am Lord”, “Be Not Afraid”, “One Bread, One Body”, “On Eagles Wings”, “You Are Mine”

Pallbearers: Braxton Clark, Jim Clark, Jon Larsen, Tyler Larsen, Jake McDonald, Kelly Clark, Sami McDonald

Place of Rest: Holy Cross Cemetery, Blair, Nebraska

Campbell-Aman Funeral Home

Obituaries courtesy of the Washington County Genealogical Society. Newspaper clippings on file at the Blair Public library.