Gerrit Kroontje, age 93, was born to Wilbur and Susie (Tilstra) Kroontje on May 22, 1933 near Rock Rapids, Iowa. They later moved to a farm by Magnolia, Minnesota.

    In 1953 he married Harriet Hofkamp and in 1954 he was drafted and proudly served his country as a cook in the Maryland Army Chemical Center until 1956 when he was honorably discharged. They moved back to Minnesota where they farmed south of Leota for 26 years and were blessed with 9 children. Gerrit also operated Kroontje Gravel and had a tree trimming service during that time. When they later moved to Leota he worked for Mouw’s Feed and Grain and he and Harriet together ran the Leota Café for 21 years. After Harriet passed away in 2022 Gerrit moved to the Poplar Creek Assisted Living Facility in Luverne and later moved to Edgebrook Care Center in Edgerton where he was loved and cared for by the staff there.

    Gerrit was a faithful member of the Bethel Reformed Church in Leota and for many years he could be seen in the back running the sound system. He also enjoyed singing in the choir, serving on the church board and he influenced the lives of many children as a Catechism and Sunday School teacher. Gerrit was very proud of his military service. He was an active member of the American Legion Post #42 for over 50 years, serving in all the offices including Commander and participated in the Honor Guard at many military funerals. He felt so privileged to be able to join other veterans on the Midwest Honor Flight to Washington D.C. in 2021.

    Gerrit was known for his love of gardening and for how he cared for the nearly 20 acres of trees he had planted on the farm. He enjoyed Bible studies, including the many years he led Bible studies at the Nobles County Jail. He spent endless hours in his workshop, usually making gifts for his family. He loved music, often entertaining others with his harmonica and even occasionally yodeling.

    On June 4, 2026, surrounded by his family, Gerrit passed peacefully from this earthly life to live forever with his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. He is lovingly remembered by his children Virgil (Vickie) Kroontje of Buckley, WA; Wayne (Helen) Kroontje of Leota; Orla (Dale) Schuld of Edgerton; Paula (Jeff) Griggs of Milo, IA; Warren (Sharon) Kroontje of Sioux Falls, SD; Bryan (Astrid) Kroontje of Grafenwohr, Germany; Darla Ostheimer of Sioux Falls, SD; Lila (Al) Kasprowicz of Luverne; Darin Kroontje of Sauk Centre, MN; 39 grandchildren, 46 great grandchildren and 1 great-great grandchild; sister Dorothy Ricehill of Luverne; sister-in-law Marlene Hofkamp, and many nieces and nephews.

    He was preceded in death by Harriet, his loving wife of 68 years; his parents; a son-in-law Charles Ostheimer; his siblings and their spouses Willie and Johanna Kroontje; Katherine and Bill Vastenhout; Marvin and Janice Kroontje; John and Rachel Kroontje; and his in-laws Abe and Lydia Westenberg and John Hofkamp.

    Visitation will be from 9 to 10:30 am Saturday, June 13 at the Leota Community Church, North Campus. Funeral will be Saturday at 10:45 am at the Leota Community Church, North Campus. Burial will be in the Leota Community Cemeter with lunch and fellowship to follow.