Ernest Krieger

Services for Ernest Krieger were held Friday, June 24, 2016 at Hastings Funeral Home in Jefferson, Iowa. Visitation was held Thursday, June 23, at the Krieger residence. Words of comfort were by Father Roger Linnan. Honorary bearers were Herb Krieger, Mike Wallace, Ronald Woods II, Coty and Mia Grace Woods, Angela Dudley, Amanda Kopaska, Karl Krieger and Kevin Krieger. Casket bearers were Kurt Krieger, Ross Krieger, Andy Krieger, Russ Mjolsness, Dan Benitz and Jim Crowley. Soloist was Sheilah Pound, accompanied by Danille Curtis. Song selections were “In The Garden,” “Go Rest High on That Mountain,” “On Eagles Wings” and “Isle of Innisfree.” Interment took place at Jefferson Cemetery in Jefferson. “Amazing Grace” was sung by Robert Bozaich during services at the cemetery. Military honors were given by the Iowa Army National Guard Funeral Honors, VFW Post #9599 and American Legion Post Floyd W. Brown #11. Following the services, a luncheon was held at the Krieger residence.

Ernest Leroy Krieger was born in Mason City, Iowa on December 6, 1933 to George Hans Krieger and Dorothy Ruth Smith Krieger. He died unexpectedly Saturday, June 18, 2016 in Jefferson at the age of 82. Ernie, as he was lovingly known, graduated from Mason City High School in 1952. He attended Mason City Junior College and Iowa State University. Ernie served in the US Army, entering March 4, 1953 in Des Moines and being honorably discharged February 23, 1955 at Fort Sheridan, Illinois with the rank of Corporal (T). Ernie had been stationed in Metz, France during the Korean War. After his discharge, he was transferred to the Army Reserves for eight years.

Ernie was married to Ann Grace Lambert in Queens Village, New York on June 21, 1958. They moved to Jefferson in 1960 and have owned and operated Krieger’s Floral Shop and Krieger Greenhouses for the past 56 years. They expanded to include the Boone location in 1996. Ernie’s life was centered around hard work and with his partner, Ann Grace, and later with their children, established very successful businesses.  

Ernie loved his home, especially with his children and grandchildren there. He enjoyed cooking and barbecuing for his family and those many special times they had at holidays, reunions, weddings and other celebrations. Ernie loved to garden and as a family canned tomatoes. He also loved his grapes and bottled a bit of wine. Ernie helped his sons with their stock car and enjoyed the races. He helped with their go-carts and their backyard was the scene of the racing. Very importantly, he helped his boys and grandsons with their wrestling. Ernie started the Youth Wrestling Program in Jefferson and touched many young people’s lives as well when he was a Boy Scout Master.  He was a member of St. Joseph Church in Jefferson and the VFW Post 9599.

Ernie enjoyed his friends very much. He and his late friend, Wally Barrett took many fishing trips to Canada where they caught walleye and salmon. The two volunteered at the Iowa State Fair cooking load after load of sweet corn.  Ernie was an avid reader and especially enjoyed books about war and those on the outdoors and the North Country. A recent high light of his life was participation in the Honor Flight to Washington D.C.  

Ernie was preceded in death by his parents, George and Dorothy Krieger; granddaughter, Charlotte Ann Krieger; and brother-in-law, Ted Mueller.

He is survived by his wife, Ann Grace; children: Kurt Krieger (Carmen) of Jefferson, Ross Krieger (Laura) of Boone, Suzanne Krieger-Mjolsness (Russell) of Nevada, Andy Krieger (Cathy) of Grand Junction; five grandchildren: Karl Krieger, Kevin Krieger, Angie Dudley, Coty Woods (Ronald) and Amanda Kopaska; great granddaughter, Mia Grace Woods; sister, Marjorie Mueller of Seattle, Wash.; brother, Herb Krieger (Karen) of Prior Lake; nieces; nephews; other relatives and many, many friends.

Memorials may be sent to Hastings Funeral Home in Perry, www.hastings.funeralplan2.com.