Krueger, Clifford J. (1926-1999 )

California mineral collector Clifford James Krueger was born in San Francisco on December 23, 1926, the son of Bessie Markheim and attorney Laurenz James Krueger (1894-1947). Cliff graduated from the University of California's Hastings College of Law in San Francisco and was admitted to the California Bar in 1953. He had a long legal career but in 1997 was forced to resign from the bar with charges pending, and was no longer allowed to practice law in California.

Cliff built an unusually fine mineral collection of aesthetic, well-chosen specimens, but sold most of then in the late 1980s, retaining just a couple of dozen favorite miniatures and thumbnails which he exhibited in a small showcase in his home. He was a member of the informal group of San Francisco mineral collectors called "The Crystal Gazers," and often hosted gatherings in his home. He lived in California all his life.

Cliff Krueger died on January 31, 1999.