Madonna Irene Krueger

December 20, 1953 – October 24, 2026

Madonna Krueger, 72, of St. Clair Shores, Michigan, passed away peacefully on October 24, 2026, surrounded by her loving wife, Diann Simmons, and cherished family and friends.

Born on December 20, 1953, in Kankakee, Illinois, to Fred and Betty Krueger, Madonna was raised in the small community of Ashkum, Illinois.

Madonna proudly served her country for 20 years in the United States Navy, achieving the distinguished rank of Master Chief Petty Officer (E-9), the Navy's highest enlisted pay grade. Her military career reflected her dedication, determination, and commitment to service.

Following her retirement from the Navy, Madonna relocated to Charleston, Illinois, where she embarked on a second career devoted to education. She earned her teaching licensure and spent more than a decade educating and supporting children through the Mattoon/Humboldt TLC program.

For the last 13 years, Madonna made her home in St. Clair Shores, Michigan, alongside Diann Simmons, her longtime partner and recently married wife. Together, they built a life filled with companionship, shared experiences, and cherished traditions. They especially enjoyed spending their summers at Windover Women's Resort, where they found friendship, relaxation, and a community that became an important part of their lives.

An enthusiastic sports fan, Madonna loved cheering on her beloved Chicago Cubs and the University of Illinois Fighting Illini men's basketball team. Her loyalty to her favorite teams remained steadfast through winning seasons and challenging ones alike.

Madonna is survived by her wife, Diann Simmons; her daughter, Nicole Douglas, and husband, Jon; her son, Sean MacWilliams, and wife, Leanne; and her stepdaughter, Rachel Westergren, and husband, Steve Salerno.

She also leaves behind nine grandchildren: Jenna (Daniel) Douglas, Brianna Douglas, Lucas Marks, Hayden Douglas, Dean Marks, Grace Westergren, Hunter MacWilliams, Reagan Marks, and Jackson MacWilliams.

Additional survivors include her brother, Terry Krueger, and his wife, Barb; her sister, Lana Kistner, and her husband, Michael "Shorty" Kistner; her nieces, Gail Ryan (Michael) and Megan Krueger; and her nephew, Greg Voigt.

Madonna was preceded in death by her parents, Fred and Betty Krueger.

From her Illinois roots and distinguished military service to her years as an educator and the life she shared with Diann in Michigan, Madonna's journey encompassed many chapters. Her memory will live on through her family, friends, former students, fellow veterans, and the communities she was part of throughout her life.

A celebration of Madonna's life, including full military honors in recognition of her 20 years of dedicated service to the United States Navy, is being planned in Illinois for the spring of 2027. Additional details regarding the date, location, and arrangements will be announced as plans are finalized.

Arrangements entrusted to Kaul Funeral Home St. Clair Shores Chapel.