Former Hidden Meadows resident, Caryl Krueger, authored 16 books

Former Roadrunner columnist Cliff Krueger used to describe Caryl Krueger as “friend-wife,” and during their long life together (they married in 1951) that friendship was one constant in their relationship.
Mrs. Krueger died at home in Grayslake, Illinois on Dec. 18. She was 80. Previous places where she and Cliff lived included Hawaii, Monterey Bay, Rancho Santa Fe, and, of course, Hidden Meadows.
Mrs. Krueger, a former resident of Hidden Meadows was a Bible researcher, author of 16 books on family life and how families could have fun together. She began writing these practical guides for parents about 25 years ago.
They had titles like: 365 Ways to Love Your Child, Family Traditions: 289 Things to Do Again and Again and The Ten Commandments for Grandparents: A Wise and Witty Handbook for Today's Grandmas and Grandpas. Together they have sold about 750,000 copies.
“I talk about the importance to families of building memories and traditions, things that kids get to anticipate,” Mrs. Krueger told The Roadrunner several years ago after the publication of another one of her books. “Traditions add stability to family life and children need that.”
In her books she encouraged readers to create their own family traditions. Borrow some from others. “If you have a bad one, throw it out!” she said.
Because she has had faithful readers throughout those many years, much of the material she used was supplied by them. She kept a 400 name database of readers who she consulted, including people in England, Scotland and all over the United States.
A well-known child development specialist, she also met many people through her newspaper columns and workshops.
Besides her prolific writing—she was also a columnist for the North County Times when she lived in San Diego County—she also published a family newsletter for 50 years.
She was active in Republican women’s organizations and also gave lectures on the Bible.
Cliff & Caryl Krueger met at Northwestern University, where they were both students, Cliff Krueger said. They married in 1951.
Caryl Krueger is survived by her husband; two sons, Chris Krueger of Sausalito and Cameron Krueger of Wilmette, Ill.; daughter Carrie Krueger of Bellview, Washington; and nine grandchildren.
A memorial service was held Jan. 16 in Grayslake, Ill.