Gerald Crueger

Gerald "Jerry" Lee Crueger passed away peacefully on May 22, after a long battle with kidney disease. Throughout his illness, Jerry never lost his pleasant disposition or his desire to connect with people and bring joy to others. He was 87.

Jerry was born in Wausau on August 14, 1938, to LeRoy and Esther (Buntrock) Crueger. At 14, his family moved to West Allis, where he attended Nathan Hale High School and was active in theater and audio/visual arts. He then enrolled in UW-M. He was proud to say he was in the first graduating class of UW-M, 1960, earning a degree in economics,

His first job after high school was with General Merchandising, which was later acquired by J.C. Penney. He worked there until he retired in 1998. He headed the catalog circulation and customer files of several million households, and he ushered in many innovations to the catalog distribution and marketing process. He often fondly remarked that the 150 women who worked for him were the true secret to his success.

In 1958 Jerry married his high school sweetheart, Janet Murarich, and they enjoyed 44 years together until she passed away in 2002. They had two children; Chuck (Maria Monterroso); grandchildren, Mateo and Manuela; and Kristine (Denis Irvine) who predeceased him in 2020 and his grandson Zac Crueger. He is further survived by brother Bruce (Donna) and many nieces and nephews. He loved his family and was very proud of them.

In 2004 Jerry married Delores Pavletich, another former high school classmate, who passed away in 2008.

In 2011 Jerry married Caroline Suycott, and they had many happy years in Brookfield and their winter home in North Scottsdale, Arizona. Jerry particularly enjoyed singing in the Desert Foothills Lutheran Church choir.

Jerry enjoyed playing golf and tennis, cross country skiing, and working on his yard. He loved all music and was part of a group of friends that attended Symphony concerts regularly for many years.

Jerry liked to make people smile and wanted them to be happy. He sometimes reverted to a Donald Duck voice, or dropped an eyelid, and tried to connect with the people he met. Hence, "Everyone loved Jerry." He will be missed for his friendliness, kindness, and connecting to people. He brought joy to everyone he met. 

Visitation 10:30 - Noon. Funeral services: Noon on June 6, 2026, at Brookfield Lutheran Church. 18500 Brookfield Road, Brookfield, 53045

The family kindly requests that in lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the National Kidney Association of Wisconsin, the Brookfield Lutheran Church building fund, or a charity of your choice.