James Kruckenberg

JAMES KRUCKENBERG

Lowden

James W. Kruckenberg, 76, of Lowden, died April 6, 2015, at home, surrounded by loved ones. Funeral services: 10:30 a.m. Friday, April 10, Zion United Church of Christ, Lowden, by the Rev. Stephen Stepp. Burial: Lowden Cemetery, with military rites. Visitation: 4 to 7 p.m. Thursday, April 9, at Chapman Funeral Home in Clarence.

Born Oct. 12, 1938, on the family farm west of Lowden, the son of Gerhardt and Eleanor Hein Kruckenberg, he married his lifetime soulmate, Sharon Brendes, on May 13, 1961, at Zion United Church of Christ in Lowden.

Jim was baptized and confirmed at Trinity Lutheran Church and graduated from Lowden High School. He was a hard worker and was employed by Winfield Solutions in Clarence after retiring from Ferrelgas. He previously worked at John Deere and Caterpillar after making the difficult decision to stop farming. Jim loved the land and helped friends in the fields whenever possible.

He served in the Army Reserves and had been a Legion member. Jim served the community on the church council, the 3/30 board, booster club of Clarence-Lowden and the Lowden Memorial Park board.

Jim was a gentle, loving person who enjoyed spending time with his children and grandchildren. He enjoyed watching the Packers, Hawkeyes and Dodgers. Jim and Sharon spent many happy times together and he will be greatly missed by all.

Survivors include his wife and best friend of 54 years, Sharon; son, Scott (Jody) Kruckenberg of Dallas, Texas; daughter, Mindy (John) Meyne of Urbana; grandchildren, Nate and Nic Eckhardt of Urbana; and sister, Janet (Bill) Ketelsen of Durant.

He was preceded in death by his parents; infant daughter, Kristen; and brother, Jeff.

Direct online condolences to www.chapmanfh.com.