Billielee Mommer

Billielee Mommer, 81, of Wimberley, Texas, passed away due to complications related to surgery on Thursday, July 31st, 2025, in San Marcos, Texas. Billielee was born on November 12th, 1943, in Grundy Center, Iowa, the daughter of Russell and Lois Mommer. 

It is hard to summarize the story of a woman who led such an adventurous life.  Billielee was so many things.  She was an artist, gardener, farmer, foodie, designer, spiritual leader, and friend to people from all walks of life.  Her immense creativity served her in many ways.  At the age of 17, she started Kruger Seed Company with her husband Dennis. During this time, she had two children, Kurtis and Kimberly. After achieving great success in the farming world, she separated from Dennis and moved to Omaha, where she owned and curated one of the finest antique stores in the Downtown area.  Another move, took her to New York City, where she used her talent to produce a major play.  Billielee’s travels took her across the globe, where she had a deep appreciation for the diversity of communities and cultures.  Billielee was a brilliant artist who worked in many mediums. Everything from mosaics, murals, wearable art, and her most recent work, “emotional support vegetables”.

Her home in Texas Hill Country was a favorite destination for her family.  On hot summer days, the sound of children’s laughter could be heard from her pool, and evenings were spent watching the sun go down from her hilltop perch.  Billielee’s art could be found in many of the art studios of Wimberley’s vibrant artist community.  She spent many wonderful years in San Miguel, Mexico, as an artist and food critic.  As Billielee’s guest, one felt like royalty.  She knew all the best spots in town, and everyone seemed to know Billielee.  In her later years, Billielee spent the harvest seasons in Iowa with her son and grandsons, whipping up gourmet meals for the harvest crew.  Her final adventure was to return to Wimberly to be with family, and her newest great-grandson, where her love and support were valued beyond measure.

Because Billielee walked so many different paths in her life, she was able to relate to anyone, giving humble guidance and loving support. Talking with Billielee, people tended to feel appreciated, and perhaps a little bit more comfortable to be their authentic self.  Billielee lived life humbly, and with tremendous gratitude.  She was an excellent listener, and she was a deep well of kindness and wisdom.  Billielee was playful, young at heart, and a little bit ornery.  Billielee walked her own path with such boldness, and grace; those around her often felt inspired to step out of the box, and follow their own dreams.  She saw the good in humanity, and she believed in young people and their ability to change the world for the better.  Her gratitude, joy, generosity, kindness, humor, and creativity were absolutely contagious, you could not help feeling it when you were around her.  Billelee was simply the best kind of person. 

Billielee would not want us to dwell on sadness.  Instead, we should celebrate, and reflect on all that we have to be grateful for.  The story of Billielee shows us that one little lady can change the world with nothing but love and understanding. She left a small piece of herself inside the hearts of all of us and in that way, she will live on in the kindness we show to one another. Thank you for showing us the way. We love you!

Left to cherish her memory are her Sister: Jill (Reardon) Fisher of Iowa; Daughter Kimberly Kruger of Texas; Grandchildren: Jacob Bear (Kristin) of Texas, Jessie Marie (James) of Texas, Kody (Vanessa) Kruger of Iowa, Klayton (Lauren) Kruger of Iowa; Nieces: Sarah Fisher of Minnesota, Erin (Jesus) Fernández-Mommer of Washington, Kristi (Travis) Druvenga of Iowa, Shannon (Bal) Mommer-Singh of Minnesota; Nephews: Eric (Lisa) Bartlett of Iowa, Jasen Mommer of Colorado, Casey Mommer (Cassandra) of Canada, Peter (Robin) Mommer of Idaho, Brett Mommer of Iowa, John (Sydney) Mommer of Florida; Great-Grandchildren: Kaden Kruger of Iowa, Ethan Presley of Texas, Henry Kruger of Iowa, and Konnor Kruger of Iowa.

She was preceded in death by her Parents: Russell and Lois Mommer, Brother: Jack (Mary) Mommer, and Son: Kurtis Kruger.

A public celebration of life will be held from 12:00 – 2:00, August 18th at the Fredsville Lutheran Church located at 32756 150th Street, Cedar Falls, Iowa.  Any memorials may be directed to the “Wimberley Crisis Bread Basket” and mailed to 12289 O Avenue, Parkersburg, IA 50665.