Harland Frederick Krueger 82, of Hatley, passed away peacefully on Thursday, November 24, 2022, at Aspirus Hospice House.

He was born November 7, 1940, in the town of Norrie, Marathon County to Lester Sr and Myrtle (Pagenkopf).

On April 25, 1959, Harland was united in marriage to Patricia "Pat" Krueger in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Pat preceded him in death on Saturday November 19, 2022. They celebrated 63 years of marriage in April.

At a very young age, Harland became a farm hand to many farmers throughout the area. He would live on the farms where he was taught many handyman jobs. Harland soon was discovered by an area cheese company, he worked hard to prove himself, driving milk truck, learning everything he could about the cheese industry. Soon he became the youngest person in Wisconsin to earn the title of "Cheesemaker". In time, he was able to buy his own milk truck and routes.

Harland drove semi over the road for most of his working career. With cowboy boots and hat, he set out every Sunday night driving for area businesses such as Wausau Homes, Sterling Building Systems, and Wausau Title. He ended his driving career hauling kids to and from school, sporting events, and field trips for the Wittenberg Birnamwood School District. He enjoyed the kids, they called him 'Cowboy', because you would never see him without his cowboy hat and boots. Harland loved music, even in his final years of life, there was always music playing in the house. Using the karaoke equipment that he and Pat would set up every chance they got, he recorded his own CD singing all his country favorites and distributed them to all the kids on his bus for Christmas one year.

Harland loved to "wrench" on anything he could get his hands on. He ran a service station in Hatley for a few years, taking a break from driving semi. The whole community knew that Harland could get any vehicle or small engine running. Harland and Pat had a camper for over 15 years parked at Mayflower Lake where he was the go-to for fixing "stuff", or to set up or winterize most of the campers.

Weekend family time was spent camping, making wood or in the early years, going to the neighbors' houses to play music and socialize.

Survivors include his three children. Allen (Marie) Krueger, Lynn (Don) Krueger, and Tammy (Jason) Krueger. Pat had six grandchildren Travis (Felicia) Krueger, Tara (Brittany) Krueger, Kesi Krueger, Kaden Krueger, Kyle (Courtney) Wilkowski, and Skylin (Josh) Harris. Along with ten great grandchildren Carsten, Kinsey, Saul, William, Brianna, Brooke, Athena, Oli, Bliss and Kylie.

Surviving siblings are Virginia (Bill) Stein, in-laws Enid Krueger, Bill Clark, and Jean Krueger. Along with many in-laws on Patricia's side.

He is preceded in death by his parents, his infant son, Wayne, siblings; Carol Simon, Robert Krueger, Phyllis Clark, Lester Krueger and Marlene Aschbrenner.

There will be a celebration of Pat and Harlands life at Lisa's at Lakeside, 214857 County Rd Y, Hatley, WI 54440 on January 21st, 2022, at 2:00 pm with supper to follow. Please come join the family in sharing stories and laughter.

The family would like to thank Aspirus Hospice at Home and Hospice House for their caring nature during this difficult time.

Mid Wisconsin Cremation Society is assisting family at this time.  Online condolences may be expressed at MWCS.WS