Evelyn Mae (Friehl) Krueger

Evelyn was born to Elmer & Lydia Friehl in Willmar on December 25, 1946, “sharing a birthday with Jesus”, as she would say. 

As a child, she was a bright student, a self-described tomboy and an accomplished accordion player who won a state-wide competition. In high school she was a member of the Cardettes dance squad and an excellent student. 

In 1965 she married Richard Magaard, and they had two daughters. She had a son during marriage to her second husband, Loren Krueger in 1971. By 1974 she was a single mother of three young children who she raised on her own with meager financial assistance and little involvement from either father. This was no small feat for a woman in the 1970s and 80s. Fortunately her loving parents were nearby to help out, and she, in turn, helped care for them in their senior years. 

Evy was a hard worker and usually worked 2 to 3 jobs to support her family. After completing the clerical & stenography program at Willmar Vo-Tech, she worked full-time in administrative roles at Willmar State Hospital for over 30 years until retirement. Some may remember her from the Fireside Inn or the Holiday Inn lounge where she also worked for many years as a part-time hostess, cocktail waitress and bartender. She was known for her friendly nature, raunchy sense of humor and quick wit.

When she wasn’t working, Evy enjoyed swimming at local lakes or ice skating with her kids, reading, listening to music and socializing with her friends. She took judo lessons, went trap shooting, liked to sew, draw and make crafts. She loved rock music and was known to launch into spontaneous song and dance, didn’t care if anyone was listening or watching, but she was pleased if it drew a laugh or a dance partner stepped up to join in. 

Evy had a wicked sense of humor, the gift of gab, and a fun-loving spirit. She could also be stubborn as a mule, moody and quick to temper. Evelyn lived life on her own terms, and she didn’t really care if you liked her or not. Even as Alzheimer’s disease slowly robbed her of the things she most enjoyed, she made new friends and kept her spunky spirit. She was one-of-a-kind, and the world will be duller without her in it. 

Evy was a lifelong member of Calvary Lutheran Church where she did volunteer work after retirement. She was a member of the VFW Auxiliary, in honor of her brother’s service in Vietnam. She lived in Willmar her entire life and spent her later years at Copperleaf Assisted Living where she died January 19, 2025. 

She is mourned by her three children & their partners, Jill & Brian, Jodi & Leif, Jason & Rita; seven grandchildren, Lydia, Henry, Avery, Nick, Sam, Morgan and Zach. She is also survived by her estranged brother, Arnold of Willmar. 

Preceded in death by her parents, brothers Harold & Roy, and beloved nephew Butch (Harold Jr). 

A private celebration of life will be held in the spring. Arrangements are with Peterson Brothers Funeral Home (www.petersonbrothers.com). In lieu of flowers, please send memorials to Copperleaf (https:// www.vistaprairie.org/senior-living/mn/willmar/1st-st/giving) or to Alzheimer’s Association (www.alz.org).