James R. “Jim” Kreps

James Raymond Kreps, 85, of Moorhead Minnesota passed away on Thursday, April 9, 2020 at Sanford Hospital in Fargo, ND. He passed away peacefully with his wife, Carol Jean, of 65 years, holding his hand.

James was born to Lloyd E. Kreps and Golda M. Kreps (Hainline) on July 28, 1934 in rural Clay County on the family farm. He grew up in Moorhead and graduated from Moorhead High School in 1952.

On November 27, 1954 he married Carol Jean Dietz. They have been married for 65 years. They made their home on the farm and shortly after, moved to Moorhead where James continued to farm for a living. We celebrate Jim Kreps. A man with many titles: Husband, Father, Grandfather, Great Grandfather, Son, Brother, Uncle and friend.

Jim lived a good life. He lived a full life. He loved his family. He loved his friends. He loved the farm and he loved to laugh! He loved socializing and meeting new people. (Perfect Strangers Beware!) It is what made him the happiest. In his later years, he met a group of men for coffee at Burger King once a week. The “Coffee clutch” as they called themselves, will never be the same without his smile, his laughter and his jokes.

He loved to travel and anytime he could break away from farming, he invested in travel memories with his family. His beloved lake home at Battle Lake, MN was a place of respite for him during his busy farming seasons.

Jim loved ice cream and he was also known to spend much time at StaMart making the biggest ice cream cones he could get by with! He was also known to be tucked away in the basement in the evenings watching Jeopardy, his favorite until he went to the nursing home. It was then that Lawrence Welk became his new favorite and brought him solace. Jim will be forever known to his family for his “debut” on Art Linkletter. Jim had a beautiful voice.

Jim fought hard after having a heart attack on April 5, 2020 to stay with us longer, as he loved his family and he loved his life. However, after 4 days of battle he grew tired and God called him Home to peace and his eternal resting place. Heaven is now a little brighter with his precious soul there. Blessed are those of us who he loved and those whose lives he touched.

He will live on in our hearts forever as will his legacy of laughter. What a special gift. Rest in peace Dad and know you are loved!

James was preceded in death by his Parents and 9 out of his 10 Brothers and Sisters.  Annebel, Doris, Mildred, Margaret, William, Rose, Ruth, Jean and Ronnie. He is survived by his brother Fred.

James is also Survived by his Wife, Carol Jean and his 4 Children, Dale (Wanette) Kreps, Shelly Hoium (Fiancé Tim Fischer), David Kreps, Douglas (Susan) Kreps and also by his 13 Grandchildren and 15 Great Grandchildren.

A memorial service will be held at a later date.