Walma "Deanie" Krueger Martinets

Walma Dean (Deanie) Krueger Martinets passed away peacefully on December 21, 2025 at the age of 88. Deanie was a beloved and cherished wife, mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, sister-in-law, cousin and friend. Her quiet presence will be deeply missed by us all.

Born on May 5, 1937 in Taylor Texas to parents Waldemar (Dick) Krueger and Edna Peterson Krueger. For years, Deanie, along with her parents and sister Shirley lived on a farm west of Taylor Texas. Deanie performed numerous farm duties like collecting eggs, milking cows and feeding the animals. The family also lived in Cele Texas for a while until her father’s death in 1946. At age 14, Deanie had back surgery for Scoliosis. She wore a body cast for 9 months, was confined to bed and later wore a brace. These experiences and many others taught Deanie confidence and perseverance. Deanie attended schools in Richland, Pflugerville, and Hutto before graduating at Austin High School in 1955.

Deanie met her husband Alton in 1958 at a Guadalupe Street hamburger place called The Pig Stand in Austin, Texas. They dated for 2 years and married in 1960.They went dancing often and enjoyed years of socializing with friends from Charlie’s Steakhouse, formerly located in Pflugerville, Texas. Deanie was a diligent rule follower while Alton, not always so much. Deanie always joked that “the good Lord sent her to Alton, as he needed all the help he could get”. It turned out to be a successful marriage, as they were married for 41 years, until Alton’s death in 2001.

Once retired Alton woke every morning to make breakfast for Deanie. Upon his death to break this routine, Deanie began eating breakfast at Dan’s Hamburgers each morning. It helped to be around the hustle of a busy business. Soon the morning staff was remembering her order and calling her by name. Other morning regulars would stop to say hello or pull chairs to sit together. Dan’s became a place Deanie met new friends and became part of her community. A place where people greeted her each morning and were glad to see her. 24 years later, Dan’s was a home away from home and the morning staff like family. They are some of the kindest, most compassionate, beautiful souls and Deanie loved them all.

Deanie was baptized November 7, 1937 at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Taylor, Texas. In 1948, Deanie began attending Gethsemane Lutheran Church in Austin, Texas and in 1952, was confirmed there. Deanie was a faithful Christian and Gethsemane member for 71 years. During her time she volunteered for many different committees. The Altar Guild and Bereavement committee are just a couple but she also organized the Quilting group and she led the Mary Martha Women’s group for many years. Deanie always said that volunteering at church always made her feel a closer connection to God.

Deanie worked at various businesses throughout her life, before going to work at the Texas Department of Health where she retired after 22 years. Deanie was a dedicated, hard working person who taught this practice to her daughters.

Deanie is survived by daughters: Julie Gail Martinets; Jo Lyn Martinets Guebara; Granddaughter: Alexis Michelle Guebara; Nephew: Glenn Wucher and wife Shellynne; Niece: Gay Wucher and wife Natalie Vaughn; Sisters-in-law: Doris Ledbetter; Barbara Martinets; Brother-in-law: Doug Martinets and his wife Minnie (Peanut), plus many other relatives and friends.

Deanie is preceded in death by her Husband: Alton Martinets; Parents: Waldemar and Edna Kruegar; Sister: Shirley Wucher; Brothers-in-law: Richard (Dick) Wucher; Bill Martinets; James (Tuffy) Ledbetter, plus many other relatives and friends.

Deanie loved spending time with her family. She was a devoted mother to her 2 daughters Julie and Jo. She was immensely proud of her Granddaughter Lexi and had a special bond with her. Deanie loved butterflies and flowers; chocolate and Dr. Pepper. She liked to fish, play cards and dominoes, dance to Polka music and sew. Cooking meals was one way Deanie showed her love to her family and friends. She was a devoted Christian, a beloved family member and a loyal friend. Her passing has left an enormous hole in all our lives and she will be forever missed.

Flowers are welcome as well as donations to Immanuel Lutheran Church in Taylor Texas and Gethsemane Lutheran Church in Austin Texas.

A visitation will be held at Cook-Walden Funeral Home, located at 6100 North Lamar, Austin, TX 78752, on January 5, 2026, from 4:00 pm to 8:00 pm.

The funeral service will take place at the same venue on January 6, 2026, from 10:00 am to 11:00 am.

A graveside service will follow at Immanuel Lutheran Church, located at 411 Co Rd 401, Taylor, TX 76574, on January 6, 2026, from 12:00 pm to 12:30 pm. A Reception will follow in the hall at Immanuel Lutheran Church