Loren Henry Kroening — Rochester

Loren Henry Kroening, 78, passed away peacefully at home on Saturday, April 13, 2013.

Loren was born May 7, 1934 to Hilbert and Nela (Penz) Kroening in Rochester.

He was raised and farmed his entire life in Haverhill Township. He graduated from Rochester High School in 1952 where he was active in wrestling and competed in the state tournament for three straight years.

On June 4, 1954, he married Audrey Ayshford and joined the Army in 1955, serving in Germany and France until his discharge in 1957.

He was active in 4-H as a member and an adult leader, a member of the Haverhill Farm Club and the Olmsted County Farm Bureau. In 1959-60, he was director of the Haverhill Township Farm Bureau and president of the Haverhill Farmers Club and chairman of the District 1358 School Board.

In 1966, he was named Olmsted County Outstanding Young Farmer and served on the Upper Zumbro Soil and Water Conservation District Board from 1964 to 1974 and was named it's Outstanding Conservation Farmer in 1976.

In his spare time, he enjoyed hunting, fishing, snowmobiling, bowling and repairing anything that came his way. He especially enjoyed spending time with his grandchildren and entertaining anyone who stopped in to visit.

Survivors include his wife, Audrey; two daughters, Lori (Dave) Adams of Rochester and Lisa (Todd) Fanning of Rochester; one son, Todd (Lynn) Kroening of Rochester; six grandchildren, Brad (Shelly) Fieck, Ryan and Samantha Fanning, Alissa, Emily and Mitchell Kroening; two great-grandchildren, Dayton and Tate Fieck.

He was preceded in death by his parents and two brothers, Duane and Curt.

The funeral will be Wednesday, April 17, at Evangel United Methodist Church at 11 a.m. with visitation at the church one hour prior to the service, as well as a visitation at Ranfranz and Vine Funeral Homes on Tuesday, April 16, from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m.

The family suggests memorials to the American Lung Association or Evangel United Methodist Church.

Ranfranz & Vine Funeral Homes, 5421 Royal Place NW, Rochester, MN 55901 (507) 289-3600 www.ranfranzandvinefh.com.