Remembering Marion Krueger

Age 85, Kirkland, Wash.
Passed away on February 26, 2020

Born on July 22, 1934, Marion Carolyn Krueger was a passionate advocate for her large family, her friends, her church, the many communities to which she contributed, and the causes that she cared about. We deeply miss her love, encouragement, laugh, sparkling blue eyes and assistance.

Marion was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania on July 22, 1934, to Lewis G. and Gertrude M. Hines. After a short stop in Harrisburg, her family moved to Arlington, Virginia. She helped take care of her very Irish Grandmother, and held her little sister’s hand as they crossed busy streets in Washington D.C. to catch the bus to attend St. Stephen’s School. As a very young aunt (her brother and sister were much older), Marion also enjoyed helping her similarly aged nieces and nephews.

Marion finished high school at St. Mary’s Academy in 1951, and then attended and graduated from Dumbarton College, studying political science. After graduation, Marion worked for the CIA (though she never shared her secrets). She left the CIA only because at the time it was unwilling to allow pregnant women to remain on job. She never returned, but instead went to work for the Urban League, addressing the needs of those impoverished in the D.C. area.

A deep concern for others was one the values that directed all aspects of Marion’s life. While growing up, she absorbed her father’s unflinching support of labor - she would never cross a picket line! Her lifelong faith and commitment to God led her to teach CCD classes in her parish, serve as a Eucharistic minister, and volunteer to take Communion to the sick and drive elderly parishioners to appointments.

During her teen years, Marion agreed to dance with her family’s paperboy, Ronald B. Krueger. Though she told him her life plans were to either become a nun or have 12 children, they continued to dance and were married on June 14, 1956. Within six years, they had four sons and a daughter and life never slowed down for Marion.

Marion and Ron’s strong love for each other and many shared interests allowed them to survive their five children through 61 years of marriage! They were part of the generation that was inspired by President John F. Kennedy to seek new ways to work with others to serve the community. Their shared sense of civic duty and political attentiveness made dinner conversations lively and created an expectation that their kids remain attentive to the world beyond themselves. Among her many activities, Marion volunteered to work at the polls on Election Day and even served as a convention delegate in 1976.

Marion and Ron shared a reviving sense of humor, an intense interest in politics, and a life-long commitment to serving their communities and supporting civil rights, along with a passion for parties, playing cards, meals, a great affection for dogs, travel, and art, along with a robust devotion to their family and many friends.

In 1974, they moved to Leawood, Kansas, where Ron worked for the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission. Marion enrolled in art classes both to feed a passion and to prove wrong the nun who told her she had no talent. She was vindicated when she entered art competitions, won ribbons, and held a one-person show. And, as a bonus, she mortified her then teenage children by painting a nude!

In 1979, Marion and Ron moved with their youngest two children to Redmond, Washington, building their dream home in what later became Sammamish, Washington. They also helped build St. Jude’s Catholic Church in Redmond and then Mary Queen of Peace in Sammamish.

Marion also went back to school and received her Real Estate license. She enjoyed this career as she loved helping people and understood the emotions of moving.

Marion is easily remembered as a passionate advocate. She wanted the best for others and always gave of her time, money and emotions to make this world a better place for everyone. She was a fierce friend to have in your corner and one was never in doubt about her opinions (her children take credit for strengthening this in her). Ron died in 2017, but she continued along the path that she had shared with him for so long.

Marion is also predeceased by her parents, her two older siblings, Anna and Lewis, Jr., and her great- grandson, Joey. Marion leaves behind her sister Mary Patricia Daniels (Richard); her children Mark Krueger (Julie), Mike Krueger (Michelle Wallace), Tom Krueger (Jill), John Krueger (Megan), and Kerry Krueger (Jeff Devine); her grandchildren Erin, Bob, Jeff, Charlie, Graham, Matthew, Martha, Adam, Josh, Jeremiah, Chelsea, Jillian, and Gracie; her great grandchildren Eleanor, Calvin, and Christi; her nieces and nephews; and many very dear friends across the country.

Marion’s five kids feel blessed to have had such a cheerful, good natured, devoted mom. She was a great cook, a reliable den mother and girl scout leader, our best cheerleader -- we were each her favorite, and she made all of our friends feel welcome in her home. We are glad she is with Ron now and imagine their bridge game in heaven is loud and boisterous!

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