Richard (Rick) LeRoy Kragness, 69, Hillsboro, ND, passed away on Tuesday, January 25, 2022 at Halstad Living Center after an 8-month courageous cancer battle.
Rick was born on October 31, 1952 to Earl and Verona (Ellingworth) Kragness. He was raised with his 2 sisters and 2 brothers in Halstad, MN in the house where his grandparents had once lived. There, many wonderful family meals and memories were shared for generations.
Rick was baptized and confirmed in the Christian faith at Halstad Lutheran Church. He graduated from Halstad High School in 1970. He spent his early years working on the Lindgren Farm before dedicating thirty-six plus years with Agway and CHS in Grandin, ND, retiring in 2018. He made many close, lifelong friends everywhere he worked.
He married Carol Ann Emery, of Hillsboro, ND in 1974 at St. Rose of Lima Catholic Church, Hillsboro, ND. Together they lived in Hillsboro and were blessed with two children: Adam LeRoy and Amber Nichole. Later, Virginia (Ginny) Rohwer, former spouse, shared a farmstead near Kelso, ND where Rick enjoyed gardening, canning, and raising animals on his land. The past twenty-six years he resided at his home in Hillsboro.
Rick will always be remembered for his passion of fishing and hunting. An avid outdoorsman, he spent much of his free time fishing the local rivers and lakes. He would always share one of his secrets of success, “The best day to fish, is anytime you can.” He took great pride in the training and hunting experiences he had with Jessie, his English Springer Spaniel. Many successful bird hunting trips were shared between the two.
His talent for canning and cooking was a treat for all. He was generous with his homemade salsa, apple rings, apple butter, pickled northern and delicious jerky. Many enjoyed the loving care packages and thoughtful cards Rick would send including his great words of wisdom or a poem.
Rick loved the freedom of the open road on a motorcycle. He loved to ride on solo trips, whether they were long or short. He loved trips with friends and family, and even winter rides when possible.
Rick was part of a very close family and looked forward to the annual summer vacations and winter fishing trips to various Minnesota lakes. As the family would say their goodbyes from each event, Rick’s favorite farewell was to say, “I miss you already.” Now we will say it for him.
Rick is survived by his children, Adam Kragness, Hillsboro, ND, and Amber (Patrick) Peden, Moorhead, MN; his only grandson, Ryan Peden; his siblings, Carole Larson, Grand Forks, ND, David (Janice) Kragness, Warroad, MN, Yvonne (Karl) Thomas, Mentor, MN, and Ron (Julie) Kragness, Mentor, MN. He leaves behind many nieces, nephews, family, and friends who have benefited, beyond words, from the great experiences, elaborate stories, and his infectious laugh.
Rick is preceded in death by his parents, Earl and Verona Kragness; grandparents, Olaf and Sevrena (Brekke) Kragness; and grandparents, Jesse and Clara (Hovland) Ellingworth.
Memorial Service: 4:00 PM, Friday, February 4, 2022 at Fredrikson-Ganje Funeral Home, Halstad, MN.
Visitation: One hour before the memorial service at the funeral home.
Please view our guestbook and share condolences online at www.fredriksonfh.com
Arrangements with Fredrikson-Ganje Funeral Homes
Ada & Halstad, Minnesota
