Eldora Krull

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Eldora Krull age 92 of Rock Rapids, IA died Tuesday, September 9, 2025, at Lyon Specialty Care in Rock Rapids, IA.

Funeral service will be 2:00 p.m. Saturday, September 13th at the First Reformed Church in Rock Rapids, IA with Rev. Steve Van Wyhe officiating. Burial will follow at Riverview Cemetery in Rock Rapids.

Visitation will be Friday, September 12th from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. with family present at the First Reformed Church in Rock Rapids, IA.

Eldora Krull was born October 27, 1932, in Rock Rapids, IA, the daughter of William and Carrie (Bakker) Van Goor. She was raised on a farm outside Rock Rapids and received her education in the town of Rock Rapids. The work ethic Eldora began acquiring as a young lady no doubt had its origin with her parents.

She often talked about the love, guidance and strength her family shared and how grateful she was for them all. Her strong character took its first hold under her loving parents’ roof. Times were hard then but there was always food on the table and a sense of security in her warm bed at night. As so many young ladies did in her generation, Eldora helped her family by hiring out and cleaning houses. Later, she candled eggs and worked in a bakery. To this day, Eldora’s family will freely boast about her skills in the kitchen. Over the years, she was known for so many delicious dishes. Perhaps some of her culinary talents were helped along by her time in the bakery, as well as learning in her own mother’s kitchen. Either way, her family will admit to being spoiled by her wonderful cooking. She took great delight in the smiles her meals generated, and her children will say they never lacked good meals and an immaculate house.

It was June 9, 1950, in Rock Rapids when Eldora married the love of her life, John Krull. His gentle demeanor and love of family matched her own as they began their lives together. John and Eldora made their home on a farm north of George, where they raised the two children that God blessed them with, Merle and Sherri. As the young couple made their way in the world Eldora’s days were not only filled with duties of the house but also helping John with farm work, such as milking cows, when needed. With a well-established family, the decision was made in 1969 to move to Rock Rapids where John would take a job at the Lyon County Coop.

In 1969 Eldora went to work for Merrill Pioneer Hospital in Rock Rapids as a nurse’s aide. With her strong work ethic and caring ways, Eldora soon became a valued member of the staff at the hospital. She could always be counted on to fill her own shifts and when needed, help out if the schedule was short staffed. To her coworkers, she was reliable and steady. Her infectious smile would brighten the days of the folks who found themselves in the hospital for various reasons. She gave of herself freely even though the physical nature of the job would take a harsh toll on her body in later years. She loved her job at the hospital caring for members of her community. She especially loved caring for the babies. As the years passed in her role at the hospital her qualities as a nurturing mother slowly transitioned to grand mothering. Many in Rock Rapids will remember Eldora as she helped care for them during the first few days with their new babies. Her work life gave her great satisfaction.

Eldora loved to go dancing with her tall handsome husband. They could be found often going to places like Luverne and Kanaranzi to dance and enjoy an evening of music and friends. She had little known talents except to those closest to her. She could play the accordion and piano by ear and most don’t know she had a lead foot.

Eldora’s faith was a very important part of her life. She took great comfort in knowing and trusting Jesus as her savior. She was a good living example to her family of a strong Christian woman following her God to the best of her ability. When John left, her faith became even more central. The tears flowed but she always knew she would see her precious John again.

At Eldora’s passing, her family took great solace in knowing where she is and that they themselves would see her again. As in so many conversations gone by with their mom, they will forever hear in their memory her well-seasoned saying, “Well then, we’ll talk again.” Eldora Krull will be greatly missed.

Eldora is survived by her son, Merle (Cheri) Krull of Sioux Falls, SD; daughter, Sherri (Greg) DeJong of Rock Rapids, IA; grandchildren, Kristi (Mark) Thoma of Fergus Falls, MN and their children, Alexis and Marissa Thoma, David (Brittany) Krull of Marshall, MN and their daughter, Bentley; Breyen Thomsen of Portland, OR; Amy (Eric) Borman and their daughter, Makayla DeJong (Sebastian) of El Paso, TX and their children, Giovanni and Rachel; Justin DeJong of Ankeny, IA; Nathan (Sabrina) DeJong of Worthing, SD and their children, Jagger, Crew, Larkin, Ridge and Banner; and many nieces nephews and other extended family.

She was preceded in death by her parents, William and Carrie Van Goor; her precious husband, John Krull; a great-great-grandson, Ethan John DeJong; two-year-old baby sister, Alvina Van Goor; three sisters, Marie (Bill) Faber, Jeanette (Kenneth) DeNoble, and Alvina (Filbert) Krull.