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Albert Kracht

Lead Summary

Albert “AJ” Kracht, 89, Steen, died Wednesday, Aug. 28, 2019, at the Parkview Manor in Ellsworth.
     A funeral service was Tuesday, Sept. 3, at Jurrens Funeral Home in Rock Rapids, Iowa. Burial followed at Riverview Cemetery in Rock Rapids.
Albert John Kracht was born on Aug. 12, 1930, to Peter and Grace (Flier) Kracht near Rock Rapids. 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 married 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, where he farmed until 2008. AJ continued to live on the family farm after Anna Mae's death on Jan. 12, 1996. On July 31, 2014, AJ became a resident of Parkview Manor in Ellsworth.
AJ was a lifelong farmer, a profession he loved and took great pride in. He was a hard worker and instilled a strong work ethic in all of his children. He enjoyed his grandchildren and great-grandchildren and looked forward to celebrating Thanksgiving each year with his family.
AJ is survived by six children, Trudy (Brad) Beyenhof of Rock Rapids, Pete Kracht of Ash Creek, Jolene (Doug) Van Surksum of Hull, Iowa, Kevin (Theresa) Kracht of Fortine, Montana, Marlin (Bobbi) Kracht of Luverne and Larry (Bobbie) Kracht of Magnolia; 18 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; a sister, Alice Cosgrove of O'Fallon, Missouri, and a brother, Bert “Bud” Kracht of Beaver Creek and other relatives and friends.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Anna Mae Kracht; his parents; two brothers, Ben and Bert Kracht; and two sisters, Jennie Schouwenburg and Hattie Top.
Arrangements were provided by Jurrens Funeral Home of Rock Rapids, jurrensfuneralhome.com
 (0905 F)

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