James B. Kreger

James (Jim) Kreger, age 93 of Green Isle, beloved husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather, and brother, left this earth to join his heavenly father on March 31, 2023. He is survived by his wife of 71 years, Mary Ann, his daughters, Sue (Joe) Williams, Mary Beth (Joe) Schwirtz,12 grandchildren: Jeff, Matt, Lisa; Josh, Jake, Nichole; Kaili, Jesse, Courtney; Annie; Jeni and Melissa,12 great grandchildren, sisters, Geraldine (Paul) Conser and Mary (Richard) Caudle, sisters in law, Joan Kreger, Shirley Kreger, and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, Margaret and Bernard, sons, Steve and Mike, daughter, Michele, brothers, Tom and Jack.

Jim was born on June 28,1929, to Bernard and Margaret (Tierney) Kreger in Minneapolis, MN. He attended rural school and graduated from Arlington High School.

Jim met Mary Ann early in life as they were neighbors, rode the school bus together, and were involved in 4-H and other activities. When asked how they met, they would say, “I don’t know, we always just knew each other.” It’s been said he would walk across the field just to see her. Jim and Mary Ann were married in 1951. They moved to her parents’ farm in 1952, which they eventually bought and farmed until he retired in 1997.

After Jim retired from farming, he continued his love of working the land and growing plants by joining Mary Ann with the gardens and canning. Each year his gardens were well planned, mapped out, and continued to expand. As years went on, he was great at modifying his equipment to make planting and harvesting easier so they could continue to grow, and can, their famous pickles and green beans. Preserving the wetlands for wildlife was very important to him and he continued to do his part near his farm. He loved to fish and never missed an opportunity to take kids or grandkids with him. If not in the boat, he would find a lake with a dock that the little ones could fish off of safely. He was always patient as he baited or untangled lines, and if lucky, taking off the fish.

Jim loved being with his family, playing cards, going for coffee after mass with his “church group friends”, attending community events, traveling, and attending grandchildrens’ sporting and school activities. Even after the grandchildren graduated, Jim and Mary Ann continued to be dedicated Sibley East sports fans. It didn’t matter who was playing or what sport, you would usually see them on the top bleacher until it became easier to move closer to the floor or field.

Jim dedicated many years to serving his community. He was a member of the Green Isle Lions Club, Knights of Columbus, served on the Sibley County ASCS County Committee, Arlington Creamery Board, Tri-Ag, S.A.V.E., and was a 4-H leader.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Wednesday, April 5, at 11:00 a.m. at St. Brendan’s Catholic Church in Green Isle, MN. A visitation will be held 2 hours prior from 9:00-11:00. The Rite of Committal will follow at St. Brendan’s Church Cemetery.

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