Jay Alan Kroger was born February 1, 1960, in Chateauroux, AFB, France, to parents Philip J. and Rebecca J. (Henderson) Kroger. He passed away on March 21, 2006, at Abbott-Northwestern Hospital in Minneapolis, Minnesota, at the age of 46 years, 1 month, and 20 days. In 1963 the family was transferred to Austin, Texas. After three years in Austin the family was transferred to Glasgow, Montana. Two years later, Jay's mother and the children moved to Austin, Texas, while his father spent a year in Thailand. When his father returned the family was transferred to Omaha, Nebraska, where they remained until his father's retirement. After high school, Jay spent a tour in the United States Navy as a Gunner Mate. Following his discharge, he returned to the family home in Cottonwood, Minnesota. Later he resided in Minneapolis, where he was living until his tragic death. Jay was active in many sports, but excelled in bowling where he won many trophies and awards. He liked spending time outdoors and his favorite thing to do was to spend time hunting and fishing with his dad. His dad recalls the countless times Jay would endure mosquitoes, rain, and cold to be able to throw that last cast for the "50th time." His father also remembers the time that he instructed Jay (for the first time) on how to dress a duck. After showing him how it was done on two ducks, he gave him 15 inch teal to do on his own. When his dad returned about 15 minutes later, the 15 inch duck was now a 30 inch duck that looked like it had been through a combine. Needless to say, further instructions were forthcoming. His mother recalls an occasion when she had had a very trying day when the children had called for "mom" dozens of times for dozens of things. She finally told them not to say the word "mom" for the rest of the day. About an hour later, little three year old Jay peeped around the corner and said "JUNE." Of all his accomplishments, Jay was best known as a person who loved people and everyone who knew him liked him. His great legacy would be that he had the capacity, not only to forgive, but also to forget. He will be greatly missed by everyone. Jay is survived by his parents, Jim and June Kroger, of Cottonwood, his sister Phyllis Kroger of Pacific Junction, Iowa, and his brother David Kroger Sr. of St. Cloud, Minnesota. He is also survived by his Grandmother, Avis Kroger of Cottonwood, nephews: Jimmy Kroger of Minneapolis and David Kroger Jr. of St. Cloud and one niece Becky (Kroger) Sowada of St. Cloud. He was preceded in death by his maternal grandparents and paternal grandfather. Blessed be his memory. Mass of Christian Burial Saturday, March 25, 2006 * 10:30 a.m. St. Mary's Catholic Church Cottonwood, Minnesota Officiant, Fr. Paul Hadusek Organist, Jeanie Caron Special Music, Doug Palmer "In the Garden" "Precious Lord, Take My Hand" St. Mary's Choir Congregational Hymns "On Eagles Wings" (Opening Hymn) "You Are Near" (Offering) "One Bread, One Body" (Communion) "Though the Mountains May Fall" (Closing Hymn) Casketbearers Craig Kroger * David Kroger, Jr. Neil Kroger * Lee Markell Shawn Myers *John Sterner Final Resting Place St. Clotilde Catholic Cemetery Green Valley, Minnesota Arrangements by Lynner Funeral Home Since 1891 Clarkfield Minnesota