Obituary for Marlin R. "Jim" Kruckow

He was born to Frederick and Louise (Gstalder) Kruckow on May 8, 1926, at the Caledonia Hospital. He attended Fort Ridgely Tech, where he graduated grade school. Marlin was raised in a religious household; he was confirmed at age 14 and held steadfast to his faith. Throughout his life he taught his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren about the glory of God. Marlin was a farmer, through and through; he loved farming, driving tractor and dump truck. At the age of 15, he lost his arm in a farming accident. In spite of that, he didn't hesitate and continued farming for the rest of his life. Just last fall, he was still out driving a tractor.

Marlin met the love of his life, Maxine Thomford, at Keily's Cafe in Caledonia. They were united in marriage on June 1, 1957, and started their lifelong journey of farming together. Over the years they raised chickens, pigs, beef cattle, milked cows, and farmed the land. Marlin and Maxine were blessed with two sons, Steven and Jeffery. Every year Marlin and Maxine planted a big garden (with the "help" of their grandchildren), in which towering sunflowers bordered the edge. Marlin helped with the building of St. John's Ev. Lutheran Church, Caledonia, by delivering the stone for the walls and foundation.

Marlin said one of his greatest lessons in life is to be a Christian, believing in God. He enjoyed listening to church music and country western. He enjoyed feeding and watching the birds, especially the hummingbirds. He loved spending time with his family and watching his grandkids and great-grandkids grow up. He missed his beloved wife immensely and talked about the day when he would see her again.

Marlin is survived by his two sons, Steven (Kimberly) Kruckow and Jeffery (Janell) Kruckow; seven grandchildren, Jaclyn (Rustin) Hauser, Joshua (Chelsey) Kruckow, Justine (Dylan) Fairey, Britney (Todd) Christiansen, Jessica (Roth) Walters, Tyler Kruckow, and Janessa (Mark) Riemann; eighteen great-grandchildren, Taya, Jadin, Jaxtin, Ryker, Torin, Emmalin, Everett, Lorin, Sawyer, Waylan, Kaylyn, Peyton, Jayden, Adilyn, Journey, Allison, River, and Wyatt; great-great-grandchild, Jak; granddog, Cooper; siblings, Lyle (Mavis) Kruckow and Wilma Wiebke; in-laws, Betty Tessmer, Shirley (Ted) Lee, and Duane (Marilyn) Thomford; and many nieces and nephews.

Marlin was preceded in death by his wife, Maxine; parents, Frederick and Louise; siblings and in-laws, Violet (Lloyd) Gaustad, Laverne Kruckow, Arnold (Eleanor) Kruckow, Mildred (Stanley) Moen, Dorothy (Howard) Houlihan, Harold (Judy) Kruckow, Luvern Wiebke, and Daryl Tessmer; nieces and nephews; and family friends.

A funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m., Friday, May 23, 2025, at St. John's Ev. Lutheran Church in Caledonia, Minn. Rev. Jon Wolff will officiate. Burial will follow in Evergreen Cemetery. A visitation will be held from 9:00 a.m. until the time of service, Friday, at the church.

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