Judy Kay Kroeger

It is with deep sorrow that we announce the peaceful passing of Judy Kay Kroeger, 79, of Fort Collins, CO on August 2, 2026 - leaving a void that can never be filled. With her departure, we remember a life filled with immense love, a constant sense of caring, a world class pie maker and a fierce Scrabble competitor. She was a woman of selflessness, warmth, with a deep devotion to her family, friends and patients. Her generous spirit will be remembered forever.


Judy touched the lives of everyone who had the honor of knowing her.


Judy was born September 6, 1946, in Alda, NE, to the late and great Glenn & Lorraine Powers. She was a proud 1964 graduate of Wood River High School (Go Eagles!) in Wood River, NE. She married Roger Kroeger on July 10, 1966. Together they raised two mostly awesome children after moving out west to Fort Collins, CO.


For over 46 years, Judy pridefully worked as a Licensed Practical Nurse in the Poudre Valley Health System in Fort Collins, where she initially worked the swing shift in the intensive care unit before landing her dream gig at the Family Medicine Center. She was so proud of her work and colleagues, and grateful for her time well spent as a healthcare professional. She told us once that “she taught really smart kids how to be good doctors”.


In addition to her parents, Judy was preceded in death by her husband Roger Kroeger of 56 years, in July of 2022. She was also preceded in death by her father-in-law Raymond Kroeger and mother-in-law Irene Kroeger of Ravenna, NE, her sister, Glenda Leininger, and her husband Jay Leininger of Doniphan, NE.


Judy is survived by her daughter, Michelle (Shelly) Skutchan of Fort Collins, granddaughter, Kennedy Skutchan, of Durango, CO, son Jeff (Mary) Kroeger of Loveland, CO. She is also survived by brother and sister-in-laws, Larry and Carrie Powers of Alda, NE, Russ and Marilyn Rathjen of Omaha, NE and Ron and Sue Hadwiger of Amherst, NE, along with countless nieces and nephews, and cousins spread throughout central Nebraska and beyond.


In addition, Judy is remembered by her wonderful and talented caregivers at MacKenzie Place, long time neighbors, work colleagues and friends who will deeply miss her.


In lieu of flowers, pack a lunch, visit a local park and think of her. She loved parks with big trees, playgrounds and ballfields.


There will be no formal service per Mom’s explicit instructions. Rather, a combined Celebration of Life gathering for both Judy and Roger will be held at The Agava Room at The Rio in downtown Fort Collins, on Saturday, October 3rd from 5:00 to 9:00 P.M. Come enjoy some food, a beverage and share your favorite memory about our fantastic parents with us.