Melody K. Krueger

Krueger, Melody K., age 67, passed away Thursday, February 11, 2021 in Lakewood, CO.

Born in Cedar Rapids, IA to Elmer Krueger and Welma G. Krueger, Melody was raised on a fourth generation farm near Lowden, IA.

Throughout her life, Melody was a strong, determined, and constant positive force. After graduating from college, she worked as a park ranger and EMT with the National Park Service throughout the southwest, including Chaco Canyon National Historical Park and Petrified Forest National Park, gave nature walks at Alcatraz Island and Golden Gate National Recreation Area, guided visitors through caves at Carlsbad Caverns National Park, was a volunteer firefighter in remote areas, and saved lives in Death Valley National Park. Later, she worked in Concessions Management and Contract Development at Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Park, Lake Mead National Recreation Area, and the NPS Regional Office in Lakewood, CO. She retired after 32 years of service.

A lifetime member of American Youth Hostels, Melody always retained a core love of travel, her recent trips exploring Botswana, Portugal and Norway with her daughter. She loved gardening and botany, hiking and camping, and enjoyed classical music and concerts. She valued hard work, never held herself back, and did what she loved despite bad news and tough hurdles. Good memories never stopped finding her, and she never stopped making them.

Melody was preceded in death by her parents. She leaves behind her daughter, Briana P. Krueger, and her brother, John M. Krueger (Cheryl). 

Her life ended too soon as a result of complications from cancer. She was dearly loved and will always be missed by her family and friends.

Her life will be celebrated privately by her family, who request that you support her memory by donating to:

Cancer Research Institute (https://www.cancerresearch.org/)

National Park Service (https://www.nps.gov/subjects/partnerships/donate.htm)

American Youth Hostels (https://www.hiusa.org/)

“Hope” is the thing with feathers -

That perches in the soul -

And sings the tune without the words -

And never stops - at all -

And sweetest - in the Gale - is heard -

And sore must be the storm -

That could abash the little Bird

That kept so many warm -

I’ve heard it in the chillest land -

And on the strangest Sea -

Yet - never - in Extremity,

It asked a crumb - of me.

Emily Dickinson