Albert "Aj" John Kracht

Rock Rapids, IA        Albert “AJ” Kracht age 89 of Steen, MN died Wednesday, August 28, 2019 at the Parkview Manor in Ellsworth, MN.           Funeral service will be 10:30 AM, Tuesday, September 3, 2019 at Jurrens Funeral Home of Rock Rapids, IA, with Rev. Paul Snyder officiating. Burial will follow at Riverview Cemetery in Rock Rapids, IA.        Visitation will be Monday, September 2nd from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM with family present at Jurrens Funeral Home of Rock Rapids.           Albert John Kracht was born on August 12, 1930 to Peter and Grace (Flier) Kracht near Rock Rapids, IA. He grew up with his family on farms around Rock Rapids. As a young man he worked for area farmers. On June 14, 1956 he entered the U.S. Army and served overseas, stationed in France and Germany. He was honorably discharged from the service on May 16, 1958.      Albert John was united in marriage to the love of his life, Anna Mae Ver Beek, on March 10, 1961. The couple made their home in Rock Rapids for the first six years of their marriage. During that time AJ worked for his uncle. In 1967 they bought a farm near Steen, MN, where he farmed until 2008. AJ continued to live on the family farm after Anna Mae's death on January 12, 1996. On July 31, 2014 AJ became a resident of Parkview Manor in Ellsworth, MN and remained there until he passed away peacefully on Wednesday, August 28, 2019, at the age of 89 years and 16 days.      Albert John was a lifelong farmer, a profession he loved and took great pride in. He will be remembered as a hard worker, and a man who instilled a strong work ethic in all of his children. A softer side of AJ was revealed when he became a grandpa and great grandpa. His grandchildren and great-grandchildren were the light of his world. He particularly looked forward to celebrating Thanksgiving each year as that was the holiday when all his family were gathered around him.      AJ is lovingly remembered by his six children, Trudy (Brad) Beyenhof of Rock Rapids, Iowa, Pete Kracht of Ash Creek, Minnesota, Jolene (Doug) Van Surksum of Hull, Iowa, Kevin (Theresa) Kracht of Fortine, Montana, Marlin (Bobbi) Kracht of Luverne, Minnesota, Larry (Bobbie) Kracht of Magnolia, Minnesota; eighteen grandchildren, Nick (Laura), and Nate Beyenhof, Thomas (Maddy Reisch), Katie, and Kaden Kracht, Tara (Clark) Kuhns, Colton Van Surksum, Tyller, Marissa, and Trenton Kracht, Trevor, Jackson, Kacie, Cade, Allie, and Caleb Kracht, Shelby and Spencer Kracht; seven great-grandchildren, Gracyn, Ava, Carson, Anna, Wyatte, Wesley, and Willo; one sister, Alice Cosgrove of O'Fallon, Missouri and one brother Bert "Bud" Kracht of Beaver Creek, Minnesota; along with other extended family and friends.      Preceding him in death was his wife, Anna Mae Kracht; his parents; two brothers, Ben and Bert Kracht; and two sisters, Jennie Schouwenburg and Hattie Top.