James H. Kroyer, age 86
James H. Kroyer, age 86, of Le Center, died suddenly on Friday, July 7, 2017, at his home. Jim was born on February 13, 1931 in Prior Lake, MN to Alfred P. and Florence (Muelken) Kroyer. He was raised in Prior Lake, attended elementary school there through 6th grade and transferred to the Jordan school system, graduating from Jordan High School. He married Mary Lou La Tour on May 4, 1955, at St. Mark’s Catholic Church in Shakopee.
The couple farmed in Prior Lake and purchased their own farm in Derrynane Township, Le Sueur County in 1970. Jim had many jobs during his years of farming. These included work at Armour Meat Packing Plant in St. Paul, driving milk truck for Blakeborough Trucking, and working at a Mobil Station in Prior Lake. His contacts and friendships were made more numerous by his sales for Jacques Seed Co. After retirement from dairy farming, he worked for Rosemount Office Systems for another 15 years.
Jim was active in numerous organizations including the Knights of Columbus. He served as the Derrynane Township supervisor for 12 years, was president of A.R.C. – Le Sueur County, served as an election judge, and was a parish trustee for 30 years for St. Scholastica Catholic Church. Jim’s life was a life of service and a strong work ethic. In his spare time, he loved gardening, woodworking, hunting, and playing cards. He was very active with the Farmer’s Markets in the area and was especially famous for his apricot jalapeno jam. Throughout all these activities, his family took the top spot in his heart and his priorities.
Jim is survived by his wife, Mary Lou of Le Center; children, Ken (Laurie) Kroyer of Faribault, Steve (Doris) Kroyer of Inver Grove Heights, Linda (Steve) Tupy of New Prague, Diane (Tony) Kubes of New Prague, Jeff (Ann) Kroyer of Longview, TX, Rick (Mary Beth) Kroyer of Prior Lake, Scott (Pam) Kroyer of Minneapolis, Becky Kroyer of New Prague; sister, Shirley (Chuck) Kadrlik of Prior Lake; brother, Tom Kroyer of Savage; sister-in-law, Betty Kroyer of Prior Lake; 17 grandchildren; 8 great-grandchildren. He is preceded in death by his parents; son, David in infancy; brother, Robert; sisters, Mary Ellen Feltman and Rita in infancy.
Mass of Christian Burial was held Wednesday, July 12, 2017, at 10 AM at St. Scholastica Church in Heidelberg, MN with Father Dave Barrett officiating. Visitation took place at Bruzek Funeral Home on Tuesday from 4-8 PM and on Wednesday morning from 7:30–9:30 AM. Burial occurred at St. Scholastica Cemetery with lunch following at the KC Hall in New Prague.
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