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Jean Cockrell Krueger, 89

Jean Cockrell Krueger, born June 12, 1929, entered into rest Aug. 18, 2018. Born to Frank P and Grace T Cockrell in Madison, Wisconsin, Jean was the youngest of six.

Jean had many happy memories of her younger years in Madison and watching the antics of her five siblings. In 1945, Frank, Grace, and Jean headed west to Spokane, where Frank was the director of the YMCA. Jean attended Lewis and Clark High School, graduating in 1947. She was an accomplished pianist and accompanied the school choirs. She attended Washington State College, where she met her husband, DeWayne “Red” Krueger. They graduated in 1952 and were married in October of that year. Soon after, she and Red headed out to fulfill his Army ROTC commitment. They were stationed on several bases in the south and had many fond memories of those years.

Once Red’s Army commitment was complete they moved to Pasco, Washington. They also lived in Eureka and McMinnville, Oregon before purchasing Piper Drug and setting in Columbia Falls in 1961. Jean served as the bookkeeper at Krueger Drug throughout the time they owned it.

Jean was member of St. Matthew’s and All Saints Episcopal Churches. She played the organ at St. Matthew’s Episcopal Church for many years. She was a 50-plus year member of the P.E.O. sisterhood. She was a charter member of Chapter BI. She felt blessed to have made many wonderful friends through these associations as well as all of the people they knew through the drugstore.

Jean is survived by her two daughters, Jennifer, of Columbia Falls, and Paige Walker, of Fraser, Colorado; along with Paige’s family, husband Scott, and sons Graydon and Logan. She is also survived by brothers Robert and Richard Cockrell, along with many nieces and nephews.

Jean will be remembered for her musical talent and kindness. Her sweet disposition endeared her to many. The family would like to thank the many wonderful caregivers she had over the past few years.

A memorial service will be held at All Saints Episcopal Church, 2048 Conn Road, Columbia Falls on Sept. 22 at 2 p.m. A reception at the church will follow. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the P.E.O. Sisterhood or All Saints’ Episcopal Church. For P.E.O., please make checks payable to: Chapter BI, P.E.O. and mail to Jennifer Krueger, PO Box 624, Columbia Falls, MT 59912. Checks to All Saints’ may be sent to PO Box 1923, Whitefish, MT 59937.

Columbia Mortuary is caring for the family.