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Jean Ann (Koziolek) Kruger
Jean Ann (Koziolek) Kruger, age 77 of Wells, died Wednesday, September 8, 2021 following complications of a heart attack.
Funeral Services will be held at 11 am Tuesday, September 14, 2021 at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church in Wells, MN with Pastor Donald Rose officiating. Visitation will be held on Monday, September 13 from 4-7 pm at Bruss-Heitner Funeral Home in Wells and one hour prior to services. Please write online stories of Jean at www.BrussHeitner.com so the family can reminisce with you virtually.
Jean was born at Naeve Hospital in Albert Lea on December 7, 1943. This was two years after Pearl Harbor and she was nearly named Pearl Barbara! She attended St. Casimir School before graduating in 1961 from Freeborn High School.
She married Gordon Kruger at what is now Good Shepherd Lutheran Church in Wells on December 28, 1961. They spent nearly every minute of every day together since then. Jean (and Gordie’s) career path included farming, Stokely, The Glass Jar, Carlson Craft, Johnson Outdoors, Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, and HerdStar.
She enjoyed being with her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren, working in her 17 flower gardens, putting together puzzles, sewing and painting. She was a creative artist, a trait that she passed down to her children and grandchildren. Jean had a great love of history and was an avid reader. She watched hundreds of her children’s, grandchildren’s and great grandchildren’s sporting events. She was never without her “Mason jar with a handle” cup of coffee with crème brulee creamer. Jean had a gift for being able to talk to anyone, and people recognized them wherever they went. She was also fantastically funny!
Jean is survived by her husband, Gordon Kruger. Children Terri Kruger, Paula (Dave) Wertjes, Kimberly (Josh Stangler) Kruger, Joel (Trisha Osheim) Kruger, and bonus child Sheila (Al Yaeger) Berg Legried. Grandchildren Kerrick Schindler, Chelcie, Emma and Anna Olson, Jaelyn, Tatum and Logan Stangler, Jordis Kruger, Ashtyn Kruger. Great grandchildren Hayden and Leigha Tolzmann, Willow Farley. Brother Joe Pat Kopecek. Sisters-in-law and brother-in-law Sandy Kruger, Donna and Paul Amundson. Nieces and nephews Patty Kopecek Brandts, Linda Kopecek Kemnitz, Jim Farley, Vicki Amundson and Tom Amundson.
Preceded in death by her parents Joseph and Cecilia (Kuechenmeister Kopecek) Koziolek, sister Janice Koziolek Farley Hilliard and brother Ted Koziolek.
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I’m one of Jean’s daughters friend (Terri) who happens to be black. The one thing I really loved about her was that she didn’t see color when it came to me. Every time I would go to the farm with Terri for any event and when we got ready to leave she would always cup my face with both of her hands and say, “u can always come and visit any time even without her (Terri). She will truly be missed.
Jean and I worked together at the Glass Jar. There were many laughs and fun conversations. One year we made a large gingerbread house out of cardboard and decorated it with lots of candy (some of which we had to eat) and lots of cute frosting trim. We displayed it in the window for Christmas. I also felt that any time I saw Gordy and Jean there would be time for a chat. They were never in a hurry and Jean will forever be in my heart and remembered as a wonderful lady. She will be missed. Hugs and sympathy to the family
I am sorry for your loss. May Jeanne Rest In Peace. Prayers for all of you. Amy Schimek Sievert
Spent a couple hours with Jean and Gordy and we had the best laughs at the VFW in August This is a good memory of Jean for me to cherish.
I graduated with Jean from St Casimir in Wells, and with the class of ’61 from Freeborn. One of my many fond memories of Jean, was several years ago. Imagine my surprise when I walked up the street from my house in LeSueur to a neighbors household sale. Thought I recognized this lady, but wasn’t sure. What would ‘Jean’ be doing a few houses from me? Well, it was indeed her and her daughter looking for treasures, and of course, it resulted in a very nice chat session. What a character, always smiling, so funny and full of laughter! She will be missed!
Gordie and family, I am so sorry for your loss….
Love, hospitality,, compassion and a wicked sense of humor poured out of Jean. You were not a stranger for long. She was truly one of a kind. I feel so fortunate that I knew Jean and had the opportunity to watch her in action. I wonder if she ever sat still? She adored Gordie. What a great couple. She doted on her family and loved them so, so much. My heart is broken. What a tremendous loss for the world. With fond memories.
Jean and Gordy are our first cousins . We
Loved to play cards. This winter with Covid we decided to play cards each week and take
Turns cooking. We started a four ate early so we could play a lot
Five hundred . Gordy always had a lot to comment on. He loves to win..we will cheresh our memories. Love you Gordy and Jean …
I had the pleasure of interacting with Jean as a fellow employee at HerdStar. Although our time together was limited, her gentle kindness and caring nature shined through and she will surely be missed by all. My deepest condolences to Kim, Gordy and rest of the family for the loss of your loved one.
I had the great pleasure to be part of Jean’s extended family at HerdStar, and worked with her for the last 5+ years. She was a joy to be around and was a special lady and she will be dearly missed.
When ever we stayed over night in JR high or elementary Jean always welcomed us. And some nights there were a lot of girls. She always had a smile on her face. I am truly sorry for your loss.
Gordy, we are so sorry for your loss. Jean was one fine lady.
John & Lori Frank
Northwest Manitoba, Canada
Your wife, and mom was such a kind woman. She and Gordy were always together and at every sporting event the kids were involved in. Hold the memories close to your heart.