Ira James Kruger

George, Iowa Ira Kruger, age 85 of George, IA died Friday, November 23, 2007, at the Good Samaritan Center at George, IA. Funeral service will be 10:30 AM Monday, November 26, 2007 at the Hope Reformed Church, George, IA with Reverend David Van Laan officiating. Burial will follow in the Hope Reformed Cemetery, George. Visitation will be Sunday, November 25th, from 2-8 PM with the family present from 6-8 PM at the Jurrens Funeral Home of George. Ira James Kruger was born October 5, 1922 to John A. and Etta (Janssen) Kruger. He attended country school and worked for area farmers for room and board. Later he hired out to area farmers in the Adrian and Rushmore areas. On September 8, 1944 he married Darlene Goldhorn. He worked for Siebring Manufacturing Co., for the Illinois Central Railroad and the Farmers Elevator Co. In 1952, they started farming in the Pipestone area for six years. In 1958, they moved back to Lyon County and farmed northwest of George. In 1988, due to health problems, they retired from farming and moved into George. He enjoyed feeding cattle, fishing and hunting. After retirement, he enjoyed wood working, making clocks and quilt racks for his children and grandchildren as they married. He also made shelves and racks for the preschool room. He did fix it up jobs in the church and parsonage. He was one of the first volunteers when the Hope Haven wheelchair shop opened up in George. He truly enjoyed his work there. He felt that it was his mission work. In 2001, due to health problems, he had to give that up. He enjoyed going on two mission trips and sight seeing tours. He also served on the consistory. He leaves to cherish his memories, his wife Darlene, one son Robert (Harriet) Kruger of Sioux Falls, SD; four daughters, Delinda (Ron) Cordes of Gridley, IL, Marla (Rich) Ahrenholtz, Charlene (Joel) Bathke, Ina Faye (Alan) Hilbrands all of George; twelve grandchildren, Jennifer (Tony) Young of Bloomington, IL, Sara (Judd) Swensen of Davenport, IA, Sherri (Scott) Lehrkamp of Sioux Falls, Troy Kruger of Chamberlain, SD, Patrick (Kristine) Kruger of Madison, SD, Kari (Matt) Matuska and Daniel Ahrenholtz of George, Ryan (Karlee) Bathke of Sioux Falls, SD, Justin Bathke (special friend Melissa Bender) of George, Becky Bathke of Sioux Falls, Heath (Tara) Hilbrands of Boyden, Stefanie Hilbrands (special friend Jason OLeary of Ames, IA; two brothers, Merle (Alieda) Kruger of Sheldon, Donald (Leona) Kruger of George, half brother, Arvin (Gerry) De Berg of Belding, MI; one half sister, Kathryn (Marvin) Hansen of Greenville, MI; one brother-in-law, Wilfred (Henrietta) Grotluschen; and two sisters-in-law, Helen Kruger of Pipestone and Delores (Floris) Van Tilburg of Rock Valley, IA; fifteen great grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, two brothers, John and Francis, one brother-in-law, Kenneth Petersen, two sisters, Elva Mae Steenhoven and Hazel Grotluschen.