Helen Ann Cairns Krueger, 96, of Hendersonville, TN, formerly of Godfrey, IL, went to be with the Lord on January 20, 2024, at Park Place Retirement Community in Hendersonville.
Mrs. Krueger was born on August 31, 1927, in Jerseyville, IL and was the last surviving child of the late Edward Cairns and Emma Jungclaus Cairns.
Mrs. Krueger grew up on a farm and was educated in the Jerseyville rural schools. She later worked as a waitress at Monticello College in Godfrey. During this time, she met the love of her life, Harold Krueger. They were married for almost 73 years. He preceded her in death.
They lived their early married life on a farm in Fieldon, IL. Later they moved to St. Louis, MO. Their final move was back to their roots in Godfrey, IL and they resided there for 42 years.
Mrs. Krueger served the Lord by singing in choirs at Fieldon Evangelical, Friedens Chapel in St. Louis and Godfrey Evangelical United Church of Christ spanning over sixty years. She also sang in a Gospel Quartet in her early years. While living in St. Louis she was active in the Chorus of the St. Louis Civic Opera Company with grand opera productions at Kiel Auditorium. After moving back to Godfrey, she became a member of the Kaye Shanahan Singers, performing Opera in the Barn in Greenfield, IL.
Mrs. Krueger loved to entertain, and she was a great cook. She always made people feel at home. Her hobbies included playing in a golf league at Rolling Hills Golf Club. She also enjoyed being outdoors and working with her flowers. She always had a vase of her tea roses in the house. She was happiest when she could help and take care of others.
After her husband passed, and to be near one of her daughters, she lived at Park Place Retirement Community, Hendersonville, TN for over four years. She was known as the “farm gal and opera singer.” She made many friends who became like family at Park Place.
Mrs. Krueger was preceded in death by her husband Harold, her parents, and her six siblings: John Cairns (Ruth), Joe Cairns (Doris), Harold Cairns (Betty), Bonnie Stone, Tom Cairns (Coila) and Bob Cairns.
Mrs. Krueger is survived by two daughters Marlene Loudon (Don) of Russellville, AR, and Fonda Swank (Bob) of Hendersonville, TN. Also surviving are five grandchildren Brett Loudon (Melissa), Tracie Carter, Kendra Bertotti (Bobby), Jill Oldfield (Grant), and Matt Swank. She has 10 great-grandchildren. Also surviving is a sister-in-law, Rhoda Cairns, and many nieces and nephews.
The family will receive friends and family on Monday, January 29, 2024, from 11:00 a.m. until time of funeral service at 1 p.m. at Godfrey Evangelical United Church of Christ.
Burial will follow at Valhalla Memorial Gardens.
Memorials may be given to Godfrey Evangelical United Church of Christ.
Elias, Kallal and Schaaf Funeral Home in Godfrey has been entrusted with professional services.
Online condolences and guestbook may be found at www.eliaskallalandschaaf.com.
