George Kruger

Sibley, IA

     George Kruger age 91 of Sibley, Iowa died Saturday, November 28, 2020 at Country View Manor in Sibley, IA.   

Due to the current situation with Covid-19, the memorial service for George Kruger will be restricted to Immediate family only. 

A Private Immediate Family memorial service will take place Wednesday, December 2, 2020 at First Baptist Church in Sibley, IA with Rev. Doug Noonkester officiating.  Burial will follow at Holman Township Cemetery in Sibley.  

     A Celebration of Life will take place on June 13, 2021 at the First Baptist Church in Sibley from 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM.

In lieu of flowers family wish memorials be directed to family for later designation. Memorials may be sent to Michael Kruger at 515 7^th St. Sibley, IA 51249.

George was born on Aug. 19, 1929, in rural George, Iowa, to George M. and Trentja (Schneiderman) Kruger. He and his 11 brothers and sisters were raised on the farm in rural George until later the family moved to a farm near Harris, Iowa. George attended school through the 8th grade when he began working on the farm. George served in the Army in Korea from approximately 1951 to 1953. He married Shirlee Helmers on May 28, 1954. They farmed in rural Harris where George was active in the Harris Sportsman’s Club. In March of 1973 they moved to a farm near Little Rock, Iowa.  George was a member of the Little Rock Town and Country Club and the American Legion. They lived in Little Rock until retirement in 1998 when they moved to Sibley.  George volunteered in Sibley and started the Bright Beginnings golf ball race. He also drove the local transit bus for several years. Faith, family, and farming were the hallmarks of George’s life. Most mornings, George led the family in prayer for family devotions. While he had a strong work ethic, his habit was to not work on Sunday but instead attend church. His famous phrase while walking beans with his kids was “At least there is a cool breeze,” even when it was hot. George was a smart farmer who paid attention to details. He didn’t buy new equipment if there was a quality used one available. When the grain and livestock prices were on WNAX radio, the kids knew they had to be quiet. He spent time playing ball, fishing, going for rides and, in general, just talking with his kids, and grandchildren and great-grandkids. George had a keen interest in sports and played baseball as a kid and even for a time while married. He loved time with family, friends, and extended family whether it was playing cards, drinking tea, or having a good conversation. George and Shirlee valued education and made sure their five children graduated from college. And whenever you saw him, he was usually wearing a cap, except in church.  George was at peace knowing he’d be in heaven with Shirlee who died in 2014. 

George is survived by his children, Janet and her husband Glenn Dykstra of Devils Lake, North Dakota, Kelvin (Kelly) and his wife Patti of Rock Valley, Iowa, Rae Jean and her husband Dana Yost of Sioux Falls, S.D., Michael (Mike) of Sibley, and Aimelia (Aimee) and her husband Steve Fisher of Sioux Falls, S.D. Grandchildren Jed and Paige Dykstra, Carter and his wife Jenni Kruger, Kelsie and Katie Kruger, Luke Yost, and Jason and Hattie Fisher; two great-grandchildren, Ashiya and Bryson Dather; his sister Matilda (Matt) Bergman, sisters-in-law, Ruth Helmers, Ruth White, Delores Kruger and Lois Kruger and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by 10 siblings and his parents.

The family would like to thank the staff of Country View Manor and Osceola Regional Health Center for their care of their dad, grandpa and great-grandpa.