John "Jack" Kreps

John “Jack” D. Kreps, 94, Willmar, Minn., was called to his eternal home by His Heavenly Father on Tuesday, Feb. 25.

A Celebration of Life Service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, Feb. 29, at the Rock of Life Church in Willmar. Visitation will be one hour prior to the service at the church. Interment will be at Fairview Cemetery.  In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Mission India, Samaritan’s Purse or Rice Hospice.  Arrangements are with Peterson Brothers Funeral Home.  www.petersonbrothers.com

John “Jack” Kreps was born on July 21, 1925, in Holland Township, the son of Fred and Lena (Bonnema) Kreps.  He grew up and received his education in the Prinsburg community.  Jack served during WW II in the U.S. Army.  On January 3, 1947, he was united in marriage to Caroline Jeanette Plowman.  Since 1953, they have made their home in Willmar.  Jack was self employed in the wholesale candy business.  His motto was “Candy is a healthy food.  Eat some every day!”  He was a member of the Rock of Life Christian Reformed Church for over 68 years and served in numerous capacities.  His hobbies included traveling, bowling and playing card games.

Jack, along with his wife, shared a love for Jesus, and throughout their lives and especially in their retirement years.  They used their time and finances to help ministries spread the message of salvation throughout the world. One of their projects was the New2You store they started in Willmar. With the help of many volunteers they were able to raise thousands of dollars every year that went to support missions in Eastern Europe. The impact of their volunteer hours are felt throughout the world.

Jack is survived by his beloved wife of 73 years, Caroline (Plowman) Kreps of Willmar; five children, Curt (and Jolene) Kreps of Sioux Falls, SD., LeAnn (and Steve) Ouwinga of Spring Lake, MI., Roxie (and Dave) Stryker of Belton, TX., Tim (and Linda) Kreps of Rogers, MN., and Kris (and Rainer) Steinbauer of Colorado Springs, CO.; eighteen grandchildren; thirty-nine great grandchildren, and one great-great grandchild on the way. Also surviving are two sisters, Arvilla Burghuis of Litchfield and Brenda (and George) Mullen of Norristown, PA.,  as well as several nieces, nephews and many friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents and five siblings.

“Only one life will soon be past.

Only what’s done for Christ will last”