Lori Kruger

    Lori Lea (Wentworth) Kruger, 45, of 11273 Dogwood Ave, died Friday, April 11, 2008, at the Muse Norris Hospice Inpatient Unit, Mason City, Iowa with her family at her side, following a courageous battle with cancer.
    Funeral services were held Tuesday, April 15, at the Holy Family Catholic Church, Mason City, with the Rev. Jon M. Seda and Pastor Randy Vaage, from the Clear Lake Evangelical Free Church, officiating.
    In lieu of flowers memorials may be directed to the Lori L. Kruger Memorial Fund.
    Lori Lea Wentworth was born on July 23, 1962 in Mason City, the daughter of Royal and Beverly (Konicek) Wentworth.  She was the fifth of six children.
    She was baptized and confirmed at St. Joseph Catholic Church.  She graduated from Newman Catholic High School in 1980 and attended NIACC.
    On June 29, 1985, she married Michael Dean Kruger in Mason City.  She was the love of his life.  They became the proud parents of two sons, Zachary, now 18, and Nicholas, now 15.
    Lori was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2004 and fought a valiant three and one-half year fight against the disease.  She endured chemotherapy, radiation and numerous surgeries all with a fighting spirit and always uplifting her family and friends.  Throughout her illness her positive attitude and sense of humor never wavered, nor did her devotion to her family.
    Lori’s Dad proudly called her the matriarch of the Wentworth and Kruger families, hosting many holiday gatherings and cookouts at their acreage in Clear Lake.  She had enough friends to fill the Iowa Hawkeye’s football stadium, a team which the Kruger family are fans of.
    In June of 2005 Lori, along with her family and friends, participated in the Relay For Life on “Team Bambi.” Bambi being the name she lovingly gave the wig she wore during chemotherapy.  The Relay For Life event was to be a celebration of the end of her treatment for breast cancer.  But in January 2008, Lori learned that the cancer had returned and it was spread throughout her body.  Again she faced the news with courage and vowed to spend what remaining time she had left focusing on her husband, Mike, who was her “rock” and her sons, Zach and Nick, who were her “pride and joy.”  Lori always put her family first.
    Lori was employed by Mercy Medical Center North Iowa for the past 27 years.  Her current position was in Patient Financial Services.  Throughout her years at Mercy she developed many lifelong friendships.  Her co-workers will miss her ever present smile, her contagious laugh, her outgoing personality and mostly they will miss the scotcharoo bars she generously shared so often.
    Lori attended Clear Lake Evangelical Free Church.  She enjoyed home decorating with her mother and playing Bunco with her friends.  She was a faithful fan of Zach and Nick’s athletics at Clear Lake High School and, along with other football moms, she was a member of the CLHS “Bleacher-Buddies.” The family dog Ava was a great source of comfort to Lori during her illness.
    Lori Lea Kruger was the devoted wife of Mike; loving mother of Zach and Nick Kruger, all of Clear Lake; precious daughter of Royal and Beverly Wentworth; caring daughter-in-law of Herman and Barb Kruger; wonderful sister to Mike Wentworth, Melody Pearce, Craig Wentworth, Royal Wentworth and Traci Kieffer; loyal sister-in-law to Connie Wentworth, Walt Pearce, Kathy Wentworth, Maria Wentworth, Steve Kieffer and David, Dwight (Patti), Danny, Kendall (Deb), Kevin, and Michelle Kruger; a special aunt to dozens; and faithful friend to so many.
    Lori is preceded in death by her grandparents, Royal and Myrtle Wentworth and John and Rose Konicek.
    Lori leaves a legacy of love and she will be deeply missed by all who knew her.
    Lori’s motto: “Life is short…Eat Cookies”
    Ward Van Slyke Colonial Chapel  was in charge of arrangements.