Illa J. Krengel died Thursday, February 5, 2026 at the Mapleton Community Home in Mapleton, MN. A memorial service will be held 11:00 am Thursday, February 26, 2026 at Peace Church in Minnesota Lake, MN. There will be a visitation one hour prior to the service (10-11:00 am). Pastor Rachael Morrison will officiate.
Illa Jean was born to James and Anna (Reding) Weydert on June 20, 1938, in Algona, IA, and was the youngest of seven children. Illa Jean attended school at Good Counsel Academy and graduated from Loyola High School in Mankato, MN. She married Ronald Krengel on May 24, 1958, in Good Thunder, MN. They lived on the family farm in Minnesota Lake, MN, and most recently in Mapleton, MN.
Illa Jean and Ronald spent most of their lives working on the farm for as long as they were able. She was a prolific gardener who prepared, served, and preserved its produce for her family. She milled grain from the farm and gathered eggs from her chickens, churned butter from the dairy cows. Beef, pork, and chicken—also raised on the farm—were somehow always on the table. She was a gifted cook; her baked goods were tremendous. When not working on the farm Ronald and Illa Jean loved dancing, as well as visiting and entertaining friends and relatives.
After life on the farm, she continued gardening in town and was always willing to share her experience and knowledge with those around her. Her sewing, quilting, crochet, and hardanger needlepoint produced many treasures for her family and friends.
Illa Jean was a faithful servant of the Lord, sharing her faith and demonstrating His love to family, friends, and neighbors. She was active in her church and lived a life worthy of the calling she received; she practiced hospitality, was faithful in prayer, and was always striving to be more and more like Christ.
She was preceded in death by her parents; daughters Sheila Krengel, and Tamra Belkholm; grandson Bradley Barnard; brothers Irvin, and James Weydert; sisters Velma Haeckel, Mary Wiebold, Eleanor McGuire, and Rosanne Barnard.
Illa is survived by her husband Ronald; children Steven (Kari) Krengel, Rhonda (Paul) Barnard, David Krengel, and Cheryl (Harold) Manthey; 15 grandchildren; 17 great-grandchildren; along with many nieces, nephews, and their families.
Memorials can be directed to Minnesota Lake Garden Club at 10 Minnesota Ave E, Minnesota Lake, MN 56068 or Peace Church at 16 Park St S, Minnesota Lake, MN 56068 www.peacemnlake.com
To watch the service, follow this link: https://www.facebook.com/share/v/18saBk9J18/
Krengel family you have our sincerest condolences Kevin and Kristel Krengel
i am sorry
Deepest sympathy to Rhonda and family,
My condolences to the entire family.
May she rest in peace.
So very sorry, you all have my deepest sympathy!
Sincere condolences on the loss of Illa. She lived a long and very good life. May she rest in peace. Sincerely Brian and Suzette Weydert and family.
Deepest sympathies to all the Krengel families. Thoughts and prayers are with you all as you go through this difficult time. 🙏🏻
Our deepest sympathy to the Krengel family. What a blessing to know her!! May you be comforted by the many warm memories of her.
Our sincere sympathy for your loss. Illa Jean was a great neighbor, we will miss her occasional goodies.
Deepest sympathies to the Krengel family. Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time.
Our thoughts & prayers are with your whole family. We will be unable to attend the memorial service for Illa Jean. Please accept our deepest condolences.
Deepest sympathy to the Krengel family. My mother Tamara Latusek enjoyed decorating the alter with Illa Jean for a number of years at St John the Baptist church. Our prayers are with you.
John & Susie Latusek and Family
Deepest sympathy to the Krengel family. My mother Tamara Latusek enjoyed decorating the alter with Illa Jean for a number of years at St John the Baptist Church. Our prayers are with you.
John & Susie Latusek & Family