Cheryl Krueger Dies at 74: Cheryl’s Cookies Founder Leaves Behind a Legacy of Entrepreneurship, Generosity, and Hope
The business world and communities across Ohio are mourning the loss of pioneering entrepreneur Cheryl Krueger, who died peacefully on June 13, 2026, following a three-year battle with Parkinson’s disease. She was 74 years old.
Best known as the founder of Cheryl’s Cookies and the gourmet gift company Cheryl & Co., Krueger transformed a small cookie shop into one of America’s most recognizable food gift brands. Her journey from local baker to nationally respected business leader inspired countless entrepreneurs, while her dedication to philanthropy touched lives far beyond the business world.
Cheryl Krueger Dies After Courageous Battle With Parkinson’s Disease
According to her family, Krueger passed away peacefully at 3:30 a.m. on Saturday morning after publicly battling Parkinson’s disease since her diagnosis in 2023.
Rather than keeping her diagnosis private, Krueger chose to use her platform to raise awareness about Parkinson’s disease and support efforts aimed at advancing research and treatment. Friends, family members, and community leaders praised her determination to continue serving others despite the challenges posed by the illness.
Her passing marks the end of a remarkable chapter in Ohio business history, but her influence continues through the companies, charitable initiatives, and mentorship programs she helped build.
From Small Cookie Shop to National Brand
Born in Bellevue, Ohio, Krueger graduated from Bowling Green State University before relocating to Central Ohio.
In 1981, she and college roommate Carol Walker opened the first Cheryl’s Cookies store in Westerville, Ohio.
What began as a small neighborhood bakery quickly evolved into a thriving enterprise built on family recipes, exceptional customer service, and innovative gourmet gift offerings. Krueger’s vision helped transform Cheryl’s Cookies into Cheryl & Co., a nationally recognized food gifting company generating millions in revenue.
Her entrepreneurial success culminated in the sale of the company in 2005 for approximately $40 million, cementing her reputation as one of Ohio’s most successful business leaders.
Returning From Retirement to Launch Another Business
Most entrepreneurs would have been satisfied after building and selling a multi-million-dollar company, but Krueger was far from finished.
In 2018, she came out of retirement to launch C. Krueger’s Finest Baked Goods, bringing premium baked goods and cookie gift boxes to customers nationwide.
Her decision to start another company demonstrated the same passion and determination that had defined her career decades earlier. Even after achieving significant financial success, Krueger remained deeply connected to baking, customer relationships, and entrepreneurship.
A Champion for Business and Community Service
Beyond her achievements in business, Krueger was recognized as a respected civic leader and advocate for economic development.
Throughout her career, she served on numerous boards and advisory groups, including:
- Bob Evans Restaurants
- Heartland Bank
- The Ohio State University
- The James Cancer Hospital
- Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center
- Columbus Chamber of Commerce
Her leadership extended beyond boardrooms, where she became known for mentoring emerging entrepreneurs and encouraging women in business.
Former Ohio Governor John Kasich once praised Krueger’s courage, creativity, compassion, and commitment to public service, highlighting her as a model for future business owners.
Dedicated to Fighting Cancer and Supporting Families
Krueger’s philanthropic work became deeply personal after experiencing the impact of cancer within her own family and close circle.
Following the death of her longtime business partner Carol Walker from cancer and her son’s battle with the disease, Krueger became a passionate advocate for cancer research, patient care, and support programs.
She worked extensively with charitable organizations, helping raise funds for:
- Cancer research initiatives
- Food banks
- Military support programs
- Educational scholarships
- Community outreach efforts
- Family assistance programs
Her charitable commitment earned widespread respect throughout Ohio and beyond.
Awards and Recognition
Krueger received numerous honors during her career, recognizing both her business success and community impact.
Among her most notable achievements were:
- YMCA Woman of Achievement Award
- James Champion Award
- Multiple entrepreneurial leadership recognitions
- Community service honors throughout Ohio
Despite these accomplishments, family members noted that Krueger measured success by the lives she influenced rather than the awards she received.
Remembering Cheryl Krueger’s Legacy
Family members described Krueger as a deeply faithful woman whose life was guided by generosity, mentorship, optimism, and service to others.
While she built a successful business empire, those closest to her say her greatest accomplishments were the relationships she nurtured and the opportunities she created for others.
Her legacy lives on through the businesses she founded, the charitable causes she championed, and the countless entrepreneurs she inspired.
As news of her death spreads, tributes continue pouring in from customers, business leaders, charitable organizations, and community members whose lives were touched by her work.
Funeral and Memorial Information
Visitation and funeral services for Cheryl Krueger will be held on June 19 at Schoedinger Funeral and Cremation Service.
In lieu of flowers, the family has requested donations be made to the Cheryl Krueger Memorial Fund through The Columbus Foundation, supporting causes that reflected her lifelong commitment to helping others.
Cheryl Krueger Obituary: A Life of Leadership and Compassion
The death of Cheryl Krueger marks the loss of a visionary entrepreneur, philanthropist, mentor, and community leader. From opening a single cookie shop in Westerville to building a nationally recognized brand, her story remains a powerful example of innovation, perseverance, and generosity.
While the founder of Cheryl’s Cookies is gone, her influence will continue to be felt through the businesses she built, the charitable causes she supported, and the countless lives she inspired.
FAQ
Who was Cheryl Krueger?
Cheryl Krueger was an Ohio entrepreneur best known for founding Cheryl’s Cookies and Cheryl & Co., one of the nation’s leading gourmet gift and baked goods brands.
How old was Cheryl Krueger when she died?
Cheryl Krueger died on June 13, 2026, at the age of 74.
What was Cheryl Krueger’s cause of death?
She died following a three-year battle with Parkinson’s disease after being diagnosed in 2023.
When did Cheryl Krueger start Cheryl’s Cookies?
She co-founded Cheryl’s Cookies in 1981 with her college roommate Carol Walker in Westerville, Ohio.
What charities did Cheryl Krueger support?
She supported cancer research, food banks, military assistance programs, scholarship funds, and numerous community service organizations throughout Ohio.
Where will Cheryl Krueger’s funeral be held?
Her visitation and funeral services are scheduled for June 19 at Schoedinger Funeral and Cremation Service in Gahanna, Ohio.