George Otto Krueger passed away peacefully on February 25, 2022. He was 87.
He was preceded in death the previous week by his eldest of 4 daughters, Kathleen Okvath. Survived by his loving wife and companion of 67 years, Joanne, his daughters Becky Huffine (Colorado Springs), Krista Gettliffe (Nantois, France), and Elizabeth Beckman (Broomfield, Colorado). George was also blessed with 10 grandchildren and three great-grandchildren, all of whom were made to feel uniquely loved by him. He adored each one of them, and loved spending as much time with each one of them as he could.
Born on March 26, 1934 in Chicago Illinois, George attended Eastern Illinois University, where he earned a degree in business with a minor in history, which was the subject he loved most, especially in his later years.
He became part-owner of the first McDonald’s restaurant in Colorado (Denver) in the mid-1950’s, and continued to be a successful owner/operator of the McDonald’s on 8th Street in Colorado Springs, as well as 6 restaurants in Tucson, Arizona. He eventually retired in Breckenridge, Colorado.
George and his wife Joanne were able to travel around the world, visiting countries such as Russia, Greece, Japan, France, and Italy, among several others. He would be the first to admit that he had been blessed in his life in so many ways.
His good-natured ways and amazing sense of humor will be sorely missed by all who knew him. He was easy to love.
Services for George will be held Friday, March 11 at 2:00 in Saint Mary’s Cathedral (22 W. Kiowa St., Colorado Springs). A reception will follow, with the location to be announced.
Donations may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.