Carol Jean Kreps

Carol Jean Kreps, 86, of Moorhead, MN, died on Wednesday, November 25, 2020, in the comfort of her home.

Carol Jean was born to Carroll Merwin and Anna Elizabeth (Bauer) Dietz in Missoula, MT, on June 18, 1934. The family eventually settled in the north side of Fargo, ND. Carol Jean was very active in extracurricular activities at school, was crowned “Miss Midget”, and graduated from Fargo Central High School in 1952. Carol Jean had a passion for music, and especially the piano and had dreams of one day becoming a concert pianist. Her first job was at J M Wylie Piano Company, which was later known as Knox Music. She would often play in the showroom at work, which is where she met her husband.

Carol Jean met James Raymond Kreps in 1953, and they were married on November 27, 1954 at the First Baptist Church in Fargo, ND. They established their home in Moorhead, first out on the Kreps family farm, and eventually at the location on 11th street south in Moorhead, which is where she resided until the end. Carol Jean taught piano for 40 years and played piano and organ for Bethel Church in Fargo for 25 years, as well as having a few miscellaneous jobs.

Along with her music, Carol Jean had a love for nature and gardening. Anyone who knew her knew she kept a pristine yard. Family and faith were so very important to her. Carol Jean and Jim were big on family time, enjoying time out at the lake and taking many family road trips. She was always actively supporting her children and grandchildren with attending concerts, sporting events, and anything else she was invited to. Carol Jean was diagnosed with Congestive Heart Failure in 2009, but she never let that slow her down; she continued her 6-mile morning walks, mowing the lawn, tending to her gardens, and playing with her great-grandchildren. Carol Jean was truly one of the kindest, most caring, and generous people you’d ever have the pleasure of knowing.

Carol Jean was preceded in death by her parents, sisters Dolores and Sandra, and husband Jim, along with many brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law.

Surviving Carol Jean are her four children, Dale (Wanette) Kreps, Shelly (fiancé Tim Fischer) Hoium, David Kreps, Doug (Susan) Kreps; 13 grandchildren; 16 great-grandchildren; brother-in-law, Fred (Marian) Kreps, along with many nieces and nephews.

A private family service will be held.