Ralph Krening

1933 - 2021

Ralph James Krening peacefully went to be with his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on December 13th, 2021 at the age of 88. Ralph, often known as Jim, was born to John Krening and Elizabeth (Huck) Krening on January 1st, 1933 in Goodrich, Colorado. In 1954, he entered the U.S. Army, served for two years as a tank mechanic, and had many experiences that left a lifelong impression on him. During basic training, a trainee had an accident with a grenade. Shrapnel from the explosion pierced the front of Ralph's helmet. When he recounted the incident, he said that wearing his helmet low on his head is what saved his life. His service in the Army allowed him to travel around the States and Europe, and he was stationed for a time in Germany where he visited the places his grandparents journeyed through on their way to America. After leaving the Army, Ralph was attending his brother's wedding when he met Ruth Kembel, a sister of the bride. They dated for six months before getting engaged, and they married in June of 1957. Ruth would later say that what attracted her to Ralph was his good looks and friendly personality and that their meeting was love at first sight. After faith, family was most important to Ralph. As the family grew to include three children, he worked hard to support them, first in the oil field, and then as a farmer. He enjoyed working hard and often said, "Hard work will never kill you." Sometimes, though, when the Broncos game started, the work stopped. Ralph loved farming. He especially enjoyed raising beef cattle, and growing corn and alfalfa to feed them. As time passed, it became more and more difficult for him to continue working. It was hard for him to quit farming, but he never stopped farming in his mind and found ways to stay involved. He would often be seen driving around to various fields where his children and grandchildren were working, and still loved to talk about the operations with whoever he found. Ralph was known to keep a daily account of his life in his journals, and faithfully kept up this habit until shortly before his death. He modeled an attitude of positivity and optimism, often expressing gratitude for his family and his life. He loved to tell jokes and stories when he was gathered with family and could always find something to laugh about. It was important to Ralph to do whatever he could to help future generations thrive. He leaves a legacy of faith, family values, hard work, and generosity. Ralph is survived by his three children, Arlene (Kent) Nafziger of Grand Island, NE, Larry (Judy) Krening and Karen (Doug) Chalk, of Fort Morgan; and seven grandchildren, Sarah, Rachel, Rebekah, Adam, and Matthew Krening and Austin and Tyler Chalk, all of Fort Morgan. Ralph was preceded in death by his wife, Ruth Krening; parents, John and Elizabeth Krening; sister Ruth Berndt; and brother Elmer Krening. A graveside service for immediate family was held at Memory Gardens in Fort Morgan.