Barbara Ann Krueger

Barbara Ann Krueger (Gray) was born on October 12, 1936 in Toledo, Ohio to Florence Zielinski and Louis Grabarkiewicz (Gray). Barb would often talk about her younger years when she learned to drag race, pinstripe a car, and how she loved driving her Mustang. She enjoyed spending quality time with her nieces and nephews, Tammy, Kym, Robin, Amy, Carrie, Tracey, Marty, and Jay. They always talk about what a great aunt she was and the numerous things they did together. Barb was also very close to her Aunt Betty and “Little” Grandma while growing up. 

 In 1961, she met Robert (Bob) Krueger and they married in 1969. Their daughter, Heidi Lynn, was born in 1972. Barb decided to leave Pepsi Cola and be a stay-at-home Mom at that time. She was busy planning fun birthday parties, taking Heidi to gymnastics, swimming, tap and jazz dance classes, flute lessons, and eventually marching band practices. Being an only child, Heidi was a large part of Barb’s life until she decided to join her mom, sister, and brothers to be at peace on August 9, 2024. She made sure to be a part of Heidi’s birthday, even if just for a few hours. 

 Although Bob and “Barbie” divorced late in life, they were the best of friends. Bob calls her his “former bride” whenever asked about her. Barb survived lung cancer, but then developed dementia, affecting her short-term memory, later in life. She was cared for at the Lakes of Monclova for the last three years. Bob was by her side numerous times a week, and was always there for her whenever needed. They still loved each other and had a very special relationship. 

 Barb was hospitalized quite a bit with her sensitive lungs, but she fought back and Heidi truly believes that she was here for a reason, to watch her grandson, Dawson Tyler grow up and be a part of his life. He just graduated high school and is starting college soon. She was very proud of him and loved him dearly. 

There are so many other things that can be shared about Barb. She could be a spitfire and ornery just like her mom, or sweet and sensitive, alway asking how her son-in-law, Corey was at Heidi’s every visit. She is going to be greatly missed and remembered for being the good-hearted person that she was. 

 Surviving is her daughter Heidi Garn (Corey), grandson Dawson Garn, and “former groom” and special friend, Robert Krueger. She was preceded in death by her mother (Florence Young), father (Louis Grabarkiewicz (Gray)), sister (Caroline Kimmey (Flynn)), brother Kenny (Stanley Young), and infant older brother (Thomas Grabarkiewicz (Gray)). In addition, her aunt (Elizabeth Augustyniak), grandmother (Lottie Mallo), niece Amy Styers (Flynn), nephews Marty & Jay Young, and her special pup, Peanut. 

 Services and burial will be private. Those who would like to remember Barbara may consider the Toledo Area Humane Society or the American Cancer Society.