Jacklyn Krueger

Arthur Krueger (97) and Jacklyn Jane Krueger (89) of Yakima, Washington, passed away peacefully within days of one another, surrounded by those who loved them, after sharing 51 years of devoted marriage, their lives intertwined beautifully as one.

On a beautiful, sunny morning, December 12th 2025, Arthur Krueger completed his earthly journey and stepped into the glory of heaven. Just seven days later, on December 19th 2025, his beloved wife, Jackie, joined him. They left this world the same way they lived in it – together, as one. Scripture tells us that when two become one, they are no longer separate. Jackie and Art embodied that truth in the most tangible way, holding hands through life with a love that was steady, faithful, and deeply rooted in Christ.

Art was the 10th child born to Jacob and Matilda Krueger, on a farm 3 miles South of Keif, North Dakota, on August 20th, 1928. He attended a one room schoolhouse and studied at Keif high school until November 9, 1944, when he drove his parents to Washington state to join other family members. Art committed his life to Jesus Christ as a child and lived his faith daily. He was an original founding member of Central Assembly of God in Yakima where he drove the church school bus and taught Sunday school for many years. Art was a man who showed his love through action, repairing what was broken, teaching what he knew, and cherishing Jacky with all his heart.

Jacky was born on January 27th, 1936, to Jack and Clara Kerrone in Seattle, Washington. She spent her life giving herself away in the quietest, most generous ways. She loved deeply and intentionally, always looking for ways to bless others, whether through a handmade apron, a warm meal, or giving away her own resources because “someone else needed it more.” Her compassion was born from hardship. At just 27 years old, when her first husband suffered a debilitating brain aneurysm, Jacky became a full-time caregiver while raising three children. She walked a difficult path, with grace, resilience and unwavering love, shaping a heart that never turned away from the needs of others.

Jacky found joy in creating. Her journey began with ceramics, where she poured her creativity into crafting unique pieces. Over time, she discovered a love for quilting, producing beautiful quilts and wall hangings for friends and family that reflected her artistic spirit. In recent years, Jacky devoted her talents to making aprons, placemats and potholders, which she generously donated to her church community. Every Tuesday for years, Jacky and Art would gather at their church to work together on a 100-year-old loom. United in purpose and companionship, they spent hours weaving rag rugs for Women of Faith, sharing both their skill and their devotion to service.

Together, Art and Jacky raised and loved a blended family. Art raised three children, Lyle (who preceded him in death), Debbie (Vaughn) and Tim. Through marriage, he gained 3 more children, Jon (Tami), Jayne (Steve), and Don Kim). Their home was often filled with the joy of 8 grandchildren, 8 great grandchildren, and 1 great-great grandchild, a legacy of love that continues.

In their final weeks, something sacred unfolded. As Jackie moved in and out of the hospital, Art and Jackie endured something they never learned how to do well, being apart. One night, as Jackie was being helped into an ambulance by two firemen, she stopped them and said, “Wait, I need to kiss my husband goodbye.” Supported on both sides, she leaned into Art as he leaned into her. They kissed, embraced, and through tears echoed, I love you, over and over again. All of us who witnessed it, the family, the caregiver, and the fireman had tears in their eyes. Everyone in their presence knew they were witnessing something sacred and rarely seen.

Art passed peacefully at home on December 12th, after months of health challenges. Jackie was hospitalized the following day with atrial fibrillation and suffered a stroke on December 16th. On December 19th she joined art in heaven.

For those of us who had the privilege of being near them during this sacred season, we knew it was a final opportunity to tuck precious memories into our hearts and what a gift it was!

They came together as one in 1974. And in a way that feels both fitting and beautifully romantic, they leave our lives together as one, continuing their love story, forever, in the presence of God.

A funeral service will be held at West Hills Memorial Park, located at 11800 Douglas Rd, Yakima, WA, 98908, US. The service is scheduled for January 9, 2026, from 1:00 pm.