Jerry Kroeger

Jerry Kroeger

1941 - 2025

Jerry Edward Kroeger, 84, of Grand Rapids, MN, passed away peacefully on September 17, 2025, surrounded by his loving family.

Born on May 8, 1941, in Maquoketa, Iowa, Jerry was the second of three spirited brothers born to Edward and Ida Mae Kroeger. He graduated from Mount Vernon High School in 1959 and, just six days later, enlisted in the United States Air Force, where he proudly served for six years as a flight mechanic.

Jerry met the love of his life, Kris, on a blind date, and the two were married on June 12, 1971. In 1979, they moved from Marion, Iowa, to the Kroeger family farm in Mount Vernon, where they raised their daughter together.

A devoted family man, Jerry was a patient and loving "girl dad" and a natural grandpa. He shared with his daughter and grandchildren his faith, his love for the outdoors, his sharp sense of humor, and his legendary cribbage skills along with too many other gifts to list. He also loved to walk around the community and was rarely without a friendly conversation with his fellow walkers. Jerry was blessed with a wide circle of friends who cherished his company.

Jerry's career reflected his lifelong passion for mechanics and engineering. He owned a machine shop, worked alongside his father and brother on the family farm, and contributed as a draftsman and mechanical engineer to the development of military communication equipment. After retiring from Rockwell Collins in 2000, he continued to share his expertise by running his own business fabricating specialized parts for aircraft and firearms.

In 2021, Jerry moved to Grand Rapids to be near his daughter and treasured the time he spent with family. He remained active in his church community and the trap shooting club in Mount Vernon, and he took great pride in restoring his 1964 Fairlane Sport Coupe.

He is preceded in death by his parents.

Jerry is survived by his loving wife Ava "Kris" Kroeger; daughter Rachel (Aaron) Neururer; 3 grandchildren Madaline Frost, Maxwell Frost, and Ava Neururer; 2 brothers: David (Karen) Kroeger and Steven (Judy) Kroeger; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Jerry will be remembered for his steadfast faith in Jesus Christ, his devotion to family and friends, his generosity of spirit, and his infectious sense of humor.

Visitation will be held Friday, September 26, 2025, at 10:00 a.m. at Grand Rapids Evangelical Free Church, Grand Rapids, MN with a funeral service to follow at 11:00 a.m. with Rev. Micah Labovitch officiating.

Burial will be at Itasca-Calvary Cemetery in Grand Rapids with military honors.

Memorials preferred to St. Croix Hospice or Grand Itasca Cancer Center.

To sign the online guestbook or send condolences visitwww.rowefuneralhomeandcrematory.com.