Patricia Ann Krueger

Patricia Ann (Pospisil) Krueger was born in Friend, Nebraska, on December 7, 1941, the same day as the attack on Pearl Harbor. She was the third of eight children born to Lewis (Tobe) and Ann Pospisil.

Patti had two older brothers, Dale and Larry, and another two brothers (Joel and Bob), would be born before the next girl (Marcia) arrived. Being bookended by boys meant she had to be tough growing up! She always told the story of how, if either of her two older brothers got into trouble, they ALL got into trouble and suffered the same punishment. Patti and her brothers paved the way for her youngest siblings, Marcia, Rosemary, and Tobin.

After high school, Pat moved to Omaha and lived with her grandparents for a time. It was there that she met the love of her life, Dean Krueger. They married on July 28, 1962, and enjoyed a 50-year marriage until Dean's passing in 2012.

During her career, Patti performed administrative work for well-known Omaha companies, including Mutual of Omaha. Several well-earned years of retirement would follow.

Patti and Dean enjoyed many hobbies as a couple. They were active members of the Council Bluffs Fish & Game Club and the Commemorative Air Force (CAF), a non-profit organization that was founded to restore and preserve vintage World War II-era combat aircraft.

Patti and Dean both held pilot's licenses, with Patti earning hers at a time when female pilots were few and far between. To support other female aviators, Patti was a member of The Ninety-Nines: International Organization of Women Pilots, which promotes advancement of aviation for women. Patti often told stories about flying Dean's associates across Iowa and flying back by herself. She and Dean owned a Funk Model B classic military airplane, which could be tricky to fly, but that never stopped her. Patti didn't just grow up tough - she was strong and courageous in her adult life, too.

Patti and Dean adored the cats they spoiled over the years: first Buffy, then Buff and Boom. They also enjoyed many precious friendships, frequently meeting for dinners out, watching football games at each other's homes, and attending celebrations together.

Patti passed away peacefully on Thursday, October 16, 2025.

Patti was preceded in death by her husband, Dean; brothers, Dale and Bob; sister, Marcia Mika; brothers-in-law, Gene Mika and Dale St. Louis; sister-in-law, Karolyn.

She is survived by her brothers, Larry, Joel (Janet), and Tobin (Lea Ann); sister, Rosemary Washington (Tony); sisters-in-law, Karen and Sandra; numerous nieces and nephews; brother-in-law, Gary (Diana) Krueger; special friend and caregiver, Bonita Jones.

Visitation will be held from 12:30 PM - 1:00 PM at Hoy Kilnoski Funeral Home in Council Bluffs on Wednesday, October 22, 2025. Funeral Service will be at 1:00 PM, immediately following the visitation. Interment is in Omaha National Cemetery at 10:00 AM the following morning, Thursday, October 23.

In lieu of flowers, you may send a donation to the Nebraska Humane Society.