View Jimmie's Funeral Service

Jimmie A. Krogstad, age 83, of Fertile, MN, died Saturday, January 5, 2019, at Altru Health System in Grand Forks, ND, surrounded by his family.

Jimmie Arden Krogstad was born at home on the farm just south of Rindal, MN, on September 3, 1935.  He was the 5 ^th of 7 children born to Albert and Gina (Noto) Krogstad.

As a boy, Jim loved to be outdoors, always with his dog by his side!  The family played many games in the winter and attended baseball games in the summer.  Jim began helping on the farm at a very young age. He went from chasing the cows, helping to clear the woods, to milking, running equipment and eventually taking over the farm.  Jim attended Pleasant Roadside Country School for 8 years and, in 1949, started high school in Fertile where he graduated in 1953. He was athletic, lettering in football and baseball.

In 1950, Jim's mother suddenly passed away, having a profound impact on the entire family.  Jim was already farming and milking with his older brother and father.  The year following Jim's graduation, he and Russell purchased the cows from their father and continued milking.  They also raised 3500 turkeys and had a milk route for delivery to the Rindal Creamery.  Jim later operated a feed grinding machine, which took him to many farms in all directions.  In addition to the farm work, Jim spent many hours caring for and looking after his father until his death in 1957.

In May of 1959, Jim was united in marriage to Kathleen Gunufson.  Jim and Katy remained on the family farm and raised their four children.  Jim worked hard but he loved to play games and spend time with his family.  There were many camping trips and family vacations.  Jim loved sports, especially watching his children's and later his grandchildren's games.  He followed all Minnesota sports and seldom missed a game.

Jim had always wanted to be a pilot.  He bought an Ultralight and enjoyed many hours flying over the fields and taking pictures.  He also collected and restored old John Deere tractors. Talented with his hands, he loved spending time in his shop, creating many wood projects as well as working on machines.  Jim enjoyed visiting with people everywhere he went.  He could tell a good story and was interested in hearing about others.  He especially wanted to help young people and was thrilled for them when they acheived thier goals.

Farming was more than just a job, it was his way of life.  In later years, Jimmie never really retired, just slowed down a bit and passed the reigns to Steve and Hunter.

Over the years, Jim was very active on several different boards, church committees and organizations. He was a hard-working man who instilled great work ethic, kindness and morals upon his children and grandchildren.  He will be greatly missed.

Jimmie is survived by his wife of 59 years, Katy of Fertile, MN; three daughters: Wendy (Gary) Kircher of Fertile, MN, Brenda (Janel Helfrich) Krogstad of Vergas, MN, and Darla McWilliam of Dilworth, MN; son, Steve (Melissa) Krogstad, also of Fertile, MN; 5 grandchildren: Tasha (Jason), Cole (Steph), Kristina, Hunter and Ana; one brother, Terry (Jean) Krogstad of Mountain Home, ID; one sister-in-law, Elaine Krogstad of Crookston, MN; many nieces, nephews and extended family of Katy.  He was preceded in death by his parents; five siblings: Myrtle, June, Pearl, Russell, and Fran; son-in-law, Jan McWilliam.

Funeral Services will be held Friday, January 11, 2019, at Faaberg Lutheran Church, Rindal, MN, at 11:00 am.  Visitation will be held at the church on Thursday, January 10 ^th from 5:00 – 7:00 pm with a prayer service at 6:30 pm and continue one hour prior to the funeral. Burial will be in Zion Cemetery, Rindal, MN.