Goodridge – Roger Kriel of Goodridge, passed away on Monday, January 25, 2021, at his home.
Roger Allen Kriel was born on July 5, 1940 in Thief River Falls, the son of Norman and Oleen (Hanson) Kriel. He was baptized and confirmed at Ekelund Lutheran Church in Goodridge. Roger attended Star Country School through 8th, then finished high school at Goodridge High School, graduating in 1958.
Roger entered the military in 1958 and served 3 years. He was stationed in Stuttgart, Germany. Roger specialized as a helicopter maintenance mechanic.
In 1963 Roger was united in marriage to Carol Overby. To this union 4 children were born and raised.
In early years Roger worked road construction, then drove semi for North Star Trucking. After that he started farming grain and cattle. In the early 80’s he became the county blade operator. After retirement Roger continued his grain farming.
Roger grew up on a farm, and it continued to be his passion. He loved spending time at the hunting camp, fishing, and watching his children play sports. In 1996 he met Laura Nelson. After which he and Laura spent their years vacationing throughout the U.S., as well as spending their summers at their camper in Springsteel Resort. His other passions were snowmobiling, 4-wheeling, and hot rod cars. He was very proud of his grandchildren and great-grandchildren – he felt very “gifted.”
Roger was a member of the Goodridge Lions, the Teamsters Union, and Ekelund Church.
Roger is survived by his special friend, Laura Nelson of St. Hilaire; children, Lisa Kriel Koble (Gerald) of Roseau, Jeffrey (Trisha) of St. Hilaire, Steven (Jenni) of Thief River Falls, and Ryan (Twila) of Goodridge; grandchildren, Mathew Verbout (Ryan), Alisha Anderson (Robbie), Megan Verbout, Gastin Kriel (Amanda), Gannon Kriel, Logan Kriel, Simone Gebro, Cari Larson (Nate), Jake Wellentin (Katrina), Blaine Kriel (Kember), and Brooklynn Kriel; great-grandchildren, Presley, Briggs, and Jett Anderson, Sawyer, Tinley, Ashtyn, and Braxtin Kriel, Sophia and Jaxon Gebro, Whittemore Larson, and Ayla Kriel; sister, Norma Moses, her daughter Tami Kost, and her children Dillon and Mason; and many aunts, uncles, relatives, and friends.
He was preceded in death by his grandparents Henry and Ann (Savage) Kriel, John and Bessie Langerud, and Andrew and Ellen Hanson; his parents Norman and Oleen (Langerud Hanson) Kriel; and brother-in-law Darcy Moses.
A visitation will take place from 11 a.m. until 1 p.m. on Friday, February 12, 2021 at Johnson Funeral Service.
A memorial service in honor of Roger will be held at 1 p.m. on Friday, February 12, 2021 at Johnson Funeral Service in Thief River Falls, with Rev. Kristin Ostercamp officiating.
Burial and Honor Guard Service will be held at a later date at Ekelund Cemetery in Goodridge.
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