Karen Krueger
Highland | Save
Karen Sue Krueger, 83, passed away suddenly, Monday, November 24, 2025, at her home in the Short Mountain community. Born in Highland, IL., she lived most of her life in Trenton, IL. Ms. Krueger was preceded in death by her parents, Wallace Alfred and Lillian Delores Becker Krueger.
She is survived by her daughter, Latisha “Tish” Bates and her husband, Christoper of Woodbury; her grandson, Jedidiah Bates whom she affectionately called “Jedi”; stepdaughters, Kathy Silvey and Angela Schlosser both of Potosi, MO. She is also survived by her cousins, Tom and John Becker of Trenton, IL.
Karen graduated from Wesclin High School in Trenton, Illinois, in 1960 and later pursued studies in interior design. She was a lifelong member of St. John United Church of Christ in Trenton, IL, where she sang in the choir and was a retired secretary. An enthusiastic supporter of the St. Louis Cardinals, Karen never missed a game, whether on TV or the radio. She also loved John Wayne films so much that she named her daughter after one of his movie characters. Her hobbies included crafting, crocheting, spending time with her dogs, and sitting on her porch admiring hummingbirds and her flowers.
She loved eating at 50’s inspired diners such as Webb’s Soda Shop, eating at Roxie’s where she formed a bond with the owners, Summer and Shannon, and she looked forward to her weekly dates with Charolette at Millennium Hair Salon to get her hair done. Karen also enjoyed Hank's Bowl & eating at the Trenton House.
Most of all, Ms. Krueger was a devoted mother and grandmother. She never missed a single event in Tish’s life. She was her biggest supporter. She had a wonderful relationship with her grandson and son-in-law as well. Her presence will be forever missed by them and all who knew and loved her.
Per her wishes, she will be cremated, and a Visitation will be held in Trenton, IL, at St. John’s UCC, on Tuesday, December 2, 2025, from 9:00 AM to 10:30 AM. Funeral Service will follow at 10:30 AM.
Interment will be at Highland City Cemetery, Highland, IL.
Memorial contributions may be made to St. John’s UCC.
Spengel-Boulanger Funeral Home
