Patricia "PK" L. Kruger

Patricia L. Kruger (Higbie), “PK”, 89, of Harris Township, Marquette County, Wisconsin, was called to be reunited with her late husband of 68 years, Neil, on November 30, 2025. She was born on October 22, 1936, in Waukesha, WI. And was married to Neil May 12th, 1956.

Pat loved and was loved by many friends and relatives. Known as PK at work as well as Aunt PK, Grandma PK and Great Grandma. She also had many nephews, nieces, and non-related kids who we called sisters and brothers from another mother. She treated them all like they were her own.

Pat and her husband Neil raised 3 boys on a small farm in Fond du Lac County and was the ultimate community mother. It never mattered if there were just her boys for lunch, or a bunch of kids playing football or baseball in the backyard, there always seemed to be enough PB&J sandwiches to go around. Any of those kids could also get their tongues soaped, she did not allow swearing of any kind. It was not unusual for friends and relatives to just drop in at the farm, Pat always made sure everyone was welcome, and fed. I don’t think she ever missed one of her boys school events, sports, music, theatre, everyone at school knew her. She was very involved in the AFS student exchange program and hosted 3 students and 3 student teachers, all of whom still call her “Mom”. Later in life she was active at the Marquette County Historical Society.

Pat enjoyed watching her boys and their wives raise their children at the pond that she and Neil built at the family campgrounds. Eventually those kids grew up and came to the same pond with her great grandchildren whom she always referred to as “her babies”. She took delight in the little ones and always made sure there were enough cookies for every one of them. If there were kids swimming, she had to be there She also loved to sing, and she participated in the church choir and spent many hours harmonizing around the campfire.

After the boys were all old enough to be in school, she started working at St. Agnes Hospital in Fond du Lac in 1966 until retirement in 1996. She had many close work friends who stayed in close touch long after retirement.

Pat is survived by 3 brothers, Mike Halkin, Vince Halkin (Kathy), Ralph Halkin (Sandy) and Sister in law, Joan Ingraham (Norm) her 3 boys, Gary (Jill), Kurt (Caren) and Todd (Paula), 7 grandchildren, Emily Deutschmann (Adam), Jacob Kruger (Katie), Peter Kruger (Katie), Andrew Kruger, Elise Susnik (Matt), Erin Simmons (Shawn), and Jennifer Smyth (Phil). She is also survived by (18) great grandchildren, Lariah, Bennett, Maren, Max, Clare, Rowan, Eben, Theodore, Phoebe, Neil, Mercedez, Leilani, Aria, Sebastian, Elaina, Hannah, Natalie and one more on the way.

Pat was preceded in death by her parents, Ben Higbie, Mike and Lucy Halkin, husband Neil, sisters Nancy Rew and Sue Crow, and brother Clifford Higbie.

There is a graveside service planned for 11:00 am on Saturday, May 23, 2026, at Oak Hill Cemetery in the Town of Westfield at the intersection of Ember Avenue and County Road A. Following the service there will be a “Celebration of Life” luncheon, visitation and fellowship at the Harrisville Sportsmen’s Club Community Center in Harrisville on County Road J.

Pat and Neil were both strong supporters of Budda Box, PO Box 591, Montello, WI, 53949. If you are so inclined you may make a donation to them in lieu of gifts to the family.

Please take a moment to view the online Tribute Wall. Send your condolences or share a memory of Pat with her family & friends.