Kruger, Lori Lea 1962 - 2008

KRUGER, WENTWORTH, KONICEK

Posted By: Pat Ludeke (email)
Date: 5/22/2013 at 13:56:45

Lori Lea (Wentworth) Kruger, 45, of 11273 Dogwood Ave, died Friday, April
11, 2008, at the Muse Norris Hospice Inpatient Unit, Mason City, Iowa with her
family at her side, following a courageous battle with cancer.

Funeral services were held Tuesday, April 15, at the Holy Family Catholic
Church, Mason City, with the Rev. Jon M. Seda and Pastor Randy Vaage, from the
Clear Lake Evangelical Free Church, officiating.

In lieu of flowers memorials may be directed to the Lori L. Kruger Memorial
Fund.

Lori Lea Wentworth was born on July 23, 1962 in Mason City, the daughter of
Royal and Beverly (Konicek) Wentworth. She was the fifth of six children.

She was baptized and confirmed at St. Joseph Catholic Church. She
graduated from Newman Catholic High School in 1980 and attended NIACC.

On June 29, 1985, she married Michael Dean Kruger in Mason City. She was
the love of his life. They became the proud parents of two sons, Zachary, now
18, and Nicholas, now 15.

Lori was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2004 and fought a valiant three
and one-half year fight against the disease. She endured chemotherapy,
radiation and numerous surgeries all with a fighting spirit and always uplifting
her family and friends. Throughout her illness her positive attitude and sense
of humor never wavered, nor did her devotion to her family.

Lori’s Dad proudly called her the matriarch of the Wentworth and Kruger
families, hosting many holiday gatherings and cookouts at their acreage in
Clear Lake. She had enough friends to fill the Iowa Hawkeye’s football
stadium, a team which the Kruger family are fans of.

In June of 2005 Lori, along with her family and friends, participated in
the Relay For Life on “Team Bambi.” Bambi being the name she lovingly gave the
wig she wore during chemotherapy. The Relay For Life event was to be a
celebration of the end of her treatment for breast cancer. But in January
2008, Lori learned that the cancer had moved and it was spread throughout her
body. Again she faced the news with courage and vowed to spend what remaining
time she had left focusing on her husband, Mike, who was her “rock” and her
sons, Zach and Nick, who were her “pride and joy.” Lori always put her family
first.

Lori was employed by Mercy Medical Center North Iowa for the past 27 years.
Her current position was in Patient Financial Services. Throughout her years
at Mercy she developed many lifelong friendships. Her co-workers will miss her
ever present smile, her contagious laugh, her outgoing personality and mostly
they will miss the scotcharoo bars she generously shared so often.

Lori attended Clear Lake Evangelical Free Church. She enjoyed home
decorating with her mother and playing Bunco with her friends. She was a
faithful fan of Zach and Nick’s athletics at Clear Lake High School and, along
with other football moms, she was a member of the CLHS “Bleacher-Buddies.” The
family dog Ava was a great source of comfort to Lori during her illness.

Lori Lea Kruger was the devoted wife of Mike; loving mother of Zach and
Nick Kruger, all of Clear Lake; precious daughter of Royal and Beverly
Wentworth; caring daughter-in-law of Herman and Barb Kruger; wonderful sister to
Mike Wentworth, Melody Pearce, Craig Wentworth, Royal Wentworth and Traci
Kieffer; loyal sister-in-law to Connie Wentworth, Walt Pearce, Kathy Wentworth,
Maria Wentworth, Steve Kieffer and David, Dwight (Patti), Danny, Kendall (Deb),
Kevin, and Michelle Kruger; a special aunt to dozens; and faithful friend to so
many.

Lori is preceded in death by her grandparents, Royal and Myrtle Wentworth
and John and Rose Konicek.

Lori leaves a legacy of love and she will be deeply missed by all who knew
her.

Lori’s motto: “Life is short…Eat Cookies”

Ward Van Slyke Colonial Chapel was in charge of arrangements.