MADISON - John Rude Krueger of Madison, Wisconsin, passed away on Monday, June 8, 2026, after a brief illness. He was 82.

John was born at Shawano Municipal Hospital on September 13, 1943, to Rude W. Krueger and Emma A. (Horn) Krueger. He grew up on a farm in the Town of Washington just south of Cecil, Wisconsin, where his father ran a successful hybrid seed corn operation. The values of hard work and stewardship learned on the farm would guide him for the rest of his life.

He attended the Cecil State Graded School and graduated from Bonduel High School in 1961. His activities included forensics, yearbook staff, newspaper staff, band, chorus, and Future Teachers of America. He was winner of the school’s science prize and valedictorian of his class.

John played first chair cornet and was student director of the high school band, and when the group’s director passed away suddenly, he was enlisted to help them continue rehearsing their contest pieces until a new faculty member could be hired. He studied piano with a local teacher and later drove to and from Appleton to take organ lessons at Lawrence Conservatory. He began playing the organ for church services and weddings before he turned 17.

Following his parents' wishes, John enrolled in the School of Agriculture at UW-Madison for college. He graduated in 1965 with a B.S. degree in biochemistry but was more interested in activities happening at the opposite end of campus. He soon abandoned a paid fellowship in cancer research and was accepted to the UW School of Music, where he studied organ, harpsichord, and master’s level courses in musicology and the history of music.

John worked in the sheet music department of Patti Music Company for 30 years, during which time he developed an encyclopedic knowledge of music publishers’ catalogs and went out of his way to help customers find what they needed. He was continuously employed as organist with several area congregations over the years, most notably West Middleton Lutheran Church, McFarland Lutheran Church, and Our Savior’s Lutheran Church (OSLC) in Sun Prairie. At OSLC, where he served for more than 27 years, a highlight of his career was overseeing the acquisition and installation of a pipe organ (Létourneau Op. 9A, 2002) for the remodeled sanctuary. He also directed numerous small vocal and instrumental groups, coordinated yearly benefit concerts, and coached and accompanied young musicians.

John was a member of the Association of Lutheran Church Musicians (ALCM), the American Guild of Organists (AGO), and the Madison Association of Church Musicians (ACM). His interests and hobbies outside of music included tasting locally produced beers, and cooking.

When failing eyesight made reading music and text too slow and difficult, John gave up his driver’s license and retired from the organ bench as well as his position as treasurer for the ACM. But neither his sight nor other physical changes related to a stroke and mild dementia could stop him. He stayed busy with household chores, developed social connections through daily dog walks and shopping errands in the neighborhood, and was happy to be warmly welcomed into the choir at Trinity Lutheran Church.

John will be remembered for his knowledge and passion, his generosity, and his deadpan humor. He remained humble, kind, and grateful till the end.

John is survived by his wife of 37 years, Deana Hipke; two daughters, Stefanie (Josh) Letze and Anna Hipke-Krueger (Casey Frechette); three granddaughters; beloved dog, Bravo; and many treasured neighbors, church friends, and colleagues. He was preceded in death by his parents and an infant sister.

A funeral service will be held at TRINITY LUTHERAN CHURCH, 1904 Winnebago St., Madison, at 11 a.m. on Monday, July 27, 2026, with Andy Twiton presiding. A catered lunch will follow the service. Visitation will be held at the church from 9 a.m. until the time of the service on Monday.

Memorials may be made to Trinity Lutheran Church or Underdog Pet Rescue in John’s memory. Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com.

Soli Deo gloria.

Gunderson East

Funeral & Cremation Care
5203 Monona Drive
(608) 221-5420

John R Krueger

September 13, 1943 - June 08, 2026

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