Christian Biography of Francis John Krotzinger

Francis John Krotzinger, Jr., the son of Francis John, Sr. and Pauline (Butler) Krotzinger, was born on January 11, 1939 in Marysville, Kansas. He passed away on January 28, 2022 at the Brodstone Memorial Hospital at Superior, Nebraska at the age of 83 years and 17 days.

Francis was baptized and confirmed at St Gregory's Catholic Church. He attended school in Marysville and at the age of 13 his dad tragically lost his life and he helped raise his 3-year-old brother, Paul. While in high school he was active in sports and he graduated in 1957. On May 17, 1958, he married his high school sweetheart Marilyn Dee Grauer at St. Gregory's Catholic Church in Marysville, Kansas. To this union 2 sons were born, Kyle and Kris.

Francis' first job was cleaning the Pool Hall, then working at Boogarts helping in the meat department, then he was employed with Safeway in Marysville, later transferring to Superior in 1966. When the store closed, he continued his Safeway career in Hastings and helping out in Seattle and Denver.

He was an entrepreneur and started his own grocery business in Nelson known as the "Country Market." The store known to his grandchildren as "Pa's Store." He learned the smoking meat trait from his brother-in-law Jeff. They later purchased the Portwood building next to the store and Dee began her gift shop business. He was active in the community and even had a role in the Community Theatre. Together with Kris they started a carpentry business in Superior painting houses etc.

A few years later they purchased the J.C. Penny catalog store which they expanded with Dee's gift items and it soon became "Prairie Blessings." Their adventures then included purchasing Superior Floral and adding it to their existing store.

Being idle was never Francis, they just recently finished repainting their home and fence, which became a family project.

Francis enjoyed sporting events, which included coaching little league baseball and Kayla's softball team. In his spare time, he enjoyed hunting, fishing, and camping with family and friends. He knew no stranger and truly enjoyed visiting with anyone.

He was an active Jaycee member serving as State Treasurer, and Ducks Unlimited.

When his grandchildren came along, they became his world and their stories are endless. The Great Grandchildren starting their own stories. He will be greatly missed in so many ways.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Francis and Pauline; his brother Paul and grandson Heath; parents-in-law, Merle and Violet Grauer; sisters-in-law Shirley Wilson and Sherry Munce and brothers-in-law Darel Whitebread and Jeff Grauer.

Survivors include his wife, Dee; sons Kyle (Diane) of Superior; and Kris (Sheba) of Denver; 5 grandchildren: Kayla (Kyle) Grove of Omaha; Eric (Juliann) of Superior; Keshia (T.J.) Druba of Lincoln; Robbie of Denver and Morgan (Jamie) Soyk of Sun Prairie, Wisconsin; 7 great grandchildren: Ella and Alex Grove, Blaise and Rhett Krotzinger; Trey and Kree Druba and Hutson Soyk and his sibling due in March; sisters-in-law Jan Parker of Frisco, Texas; Nancy Whitebread of Marysville and Connie Grauer of Brighton, Colorado; many nieces, nephews, other relatives and a host of friends.

Funeral services were held on Friday, February 4, 2022 at 2:00 pm from the Republic United Methodist Church in Republic, Kansas with Lance Rundus officiating.

Music was "Amazing Grace," "It Is Well With My Soul," and "Legends of the Fall," with Cathy Chase as the organist.

Pallbearers were Eric Krotzinger, Rob Krotzinger, Kyle Grove, T.J. Druba, Randy Wilson and Barry Carl. Honorary Pallbearers were Kayla Grove, Keshia Druba, Juliann Krotzinger, Morgan Soyk, Greg Parker, Doug Parker, Kurt Parker, Brad Parker, Mike Whitebread, Merle Grauer and Dave Carl.

Interment was in the Evergreen Cemetery at Superior, Nebraska.

Memorials in care of the family.

Condolences may be sent to Megrue-Price Funeral Home, 750 N Commercial, Superior, Nebraska 68978 or in care of www.pricefuneralhomes.com.

Megrue-Price Funeral Home of Superior, Nebraska was in charge of the arrangements.