Horst Harry Heinz Krüger

Harry Krueger who emigrated from Flensburg, Germany to Yakima in 1952 died on June 25, 2010. He was born on December 9, 1927. He worked at Shields Printing as a printer, then as a lithographer, retiring after 42 years.

He was a meticulous man. With his camera he created those tempting apples for the Good Fruit Grower. Cameras continued to fascinate him, and with his camcorder, he chronicled family outings, celebrations and vacations.

He and his wife of 50 years, Eleanor Sarmiento Krueger, loved their vacations to Mexico and Hawaii. In Puerto Vallarta they ambled around the marina and along the melacon. In Kihei Harry followed the curve of the beaches for miles. He and Eleanor along with their son Tom, wife Crystal, and grandson Desmond feasted on foods purchased in local markets. Desmond challenged his grandparents, Opa and Lola on shuffleboard. Harry and Eleanor became regulars on Maui, and the rhythms of Mexico and Hawaii would stay with them through Yakima winters.

Harry was a fisherman and floated down the Yakima River trolling for trout. He enjoyed boating on Rimrock Lake for Silvers. He and Eleanor traveled around the state chasing the elusive “big catch.” Harry learned how to smoke trout and shared his specialty with family and friends. As with everything he did, he aimed for perfection.

This quality was evident in his gardening.... Weeds were plucked from flower beds. Tomato plants thrived and he tended the Begonias in the flower box all summer. He artfully placed sprinklers over dry spots on his lawn.

Eleanor and he teamed up to make their home a welcoming place for friends to gather.

Harry mastered the art of barbequing. He served up steaks, chicken and salmon while Eleanor prepared salads, corn on the cob, and desserts. It was a joy to picnic on their deck and wait for the cool breeze of evening.

This zest for life characterized Harry, beloved son, husband, father, grandfather, cousin, uncle, brother-in-law, and friend.

Harry is survived by his wife, Eleanor; son, Tom Krueger & wife (Crystal Evers Krueger); grandson, Desmond Krueger; sister-in-law Jane Sarmiento Schwab (Michael Schwab); nieces Kristin Schwab (Kevin Harry) and Lisa Schwab (Janet Schwab); nephew Aaron Schwab; and grandniece Emma Harry and grandnephew Rezendes Schwab.

We will miss our wonderful Harry who brought us laughter and joy.

The family wishes to thank Dr. Stina Singel, Kari Brewer, P.A., North Star, Landmark, Evelyn Varona and all of the nurses at Memorial Hospial who lovingly took care of Harry.

Memorial services will be held Thursday July 1, 2010 at 10:30 in the Keith & Keith 9th Avenue Chapel.

In lieu of flowers memorials are suggested to the Memorial Hospital Foundation c/o Keith & Keith Funeral Home.