James A. "Jim" Kraker

James A. "Jim" Kraker, age 63 of Grey Eagle, passed away peacefully, surrounded by his family on Sunday, June 10, 2018, at his home in Grey Eagle, Minn. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, June 16, at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church in Meire Grove with Rev. Vince Lieser officiating. Interment will be held at St. Mary's Cemetery in Melrose. Visitation will be from 4 to 8 p.m. Friday and from 9 to 10 a.m. Saturday at the Patton-Schad Funeral Home in Melrose. Parish prayers will be at 7:30 p.m. Friday evening at the funeral home. James Allen Kraker was born Aug. 20, 1954 in Melrose, Minn., to John "Jack" and Lorraine (Bussmann) Kraker. He graduated from Melrose High School and furthered his education at the St. Cloud Business College. On Aug. 22, 1980, he married Jane Yarke on Salzl's Hill, the tallest point in Stearns County. Jim purchased Kraker Insurance Agency from his father in 1995. Jim was a very determined individual and with his drive and dedication he won multiple awards and trips that he was able to enjoy with his wife Jane and daughter Ashley. In his younger years he enjoyed spending his weekends at the family cabin on Big Birch Lake skiing, boating, fishing and enjoying nights at the bonfire. When not at the lake he was either on his tractor, riding motorcycle, or snowmobiling. He was also an avid NASCAR fan and was able to attend a NASCAR race in Michigan with his family. Jim loved spending time with his beloved wife, Jane and his daughter, Ashley. Jim will be remembered for his quick wit, outgoing personality and caring heart. He was one of the most caring and giving individuals and would drop everything just to help out when needed. His favorite saying was "Your handshake is your word" and those were the words he lived and worked by. Jim was very much involved in the Melrose Community. He was twice president and vice president for the Melrose Chamber of Commerce, he was on the Melrose Hospital Board, a member of the Melrose Jaycees, St. Mary's Catholic Church in Melrose, and volunteered for the Red Cross. Survivors include his wife, Jane Kraker of Grey Eagle; daughter, Ashley Kraker (fiancé, Joe Masloski) of Burnsville; brothers and sisters, John (Maggie) Kraker of Alexandria, Mary (Richard) Louden Horn of Melrose, Mike (Etta) Kraker of Melrose, Bob Kraker of St. Paul, Don (Tami) Kraker of Melrose, Jean Anderson of Grey Eagle, Joan (Doug) Baer of Brooklyn Center, Chuck (Monika) Kraker of Melrose, Pam Kraker (friend, Todd Duemke) of Grey Eagle, Pat Kraker of Waite Park, and Bill (Kalli) Kraker of Alexandria; and many nieces and nephews. Jim was preceded in death by his parents; sister, Anne Kraker; nephew, Cassidy Kraker; great-nephew, Dominic Kraker; and brothers-in-law, Mike Louden and Bill Anderson. Serving as casket bearers will be John Kraker, Mike Kraker, Bob Kraker, Don Kraker, Chuck Kraker, Pat Kraker, and Bill Kraker. Cross bearer will be Jean Anderson and scripture bearer will be Pam Kraker. Jimmy K. Loves You.