Photo caption: Tim Guiden (left), an Agnesian HealthCare Hospice Hope volunteer, conducts a pinning ceremony for Frederick John Krueger for his WWII Navy service.
Frederick “Fritz” Krueger, a World War II veteran and lifelong Fond du Lac resident, just wants to make it to his 90th birthday. A positive person by nature, Krueger is known throughout the community for his singing, community theater acting and involvement in the Optimist Club. Recently, Krueger, a retired City of Fond du Lac police officer who is now a hospice patient through Agnesian HealthCare, was honored for his World War II service. The special veteran’s program was initiated this year. The ceremony, which presents veterans in hospice with a flag pin and patriotic lap quilt made by Hospice Hope Forget Me Not volunteers, is offered as a tribute to their years of service. Tim Guiden, a Hospice Hope volunteer who retired from the U.S. Air Force as a full colonel after 21 years, conducts the ceremony. The room was jam-packed with relatives at the ceremony held for Krueger in early November. “We had the whole family there – some from the east coast and some from the west coast,” according to Krueger’s daughter, Chris Breunig of Appleton. “We decided to celebrate Dad’s December birthday a little early.” His four children and their spouses, six grandchildren and six great grandchildren were present for the ceremony. Prior to starting the ceremony, Guiden spent time building a rapport with Krueger, asking him about his experience in the service and looking at old photo albums from that time in his life. “During their conversation, our entire family was quietly listening,” Breunig explains. “Dad was sharing his ‘story’ with Tim. It was the first time I had heard it.” Krueger recounted his time spent in the South Pacific during World War II aboard the U.S.S. Grumium – an aviation support ship. “Our job was to supply the aircraft carriers making the supporting strikes in the Pacific Campaign,” Krueger says, noting it was a dangerous job. “During the invasion of Okinawa, the Japanese sent suicide planes at night. We shot down one of them. Ships on all sides of us were hit. We were very fortunate as we were in dangerous waters all of the time.” The ceremony was delivered in a formal yet relaxed manner, according to Breunig who says her dad was very moved by it. “Tim told us all why hospice is offering this program, shared some information on himself as a vet and hospice volunteer, gave us historical information about the star on the pin and the mother’s role during WWI and WWII,” Breunig shares. A prayer service, led by Guiden, concluded the ceremony. “It was very reverent and lovely,” Breunig says. “Tim had previously asked our family if we wanted it since it was optional. It felt so totally ecumenical. This service tied us all together in a way that we might not have again as a small family unit.” The ceremony helped Krueger realize his role in the war was important. “I didn’t expect anything like this,” Krueger says. “I was only a Seaman and didn’t think I did anything spectacular.” He appreciated the fact his entire family was present to share in the honor. “I haven’t talked much about my time in the service during WWII – now they know more about it. “
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