Eureka: The memorial service for Earl E. Krein, 85, of Eureka will be 11 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 22, 2012, at Eureka Reformed Church. The Rev. Richard Stetler will officiate.
Private burial prior to the memorial service will be at Eureka City Cemetery.
Visitation will be Friday from 4-6 p.m. at the funeral home, and at 4:30 p.m. there will be a time of sharing memories with the family.
Earl died Dec. 18, 2012, at Avera Eureka Community Hospital.
Earl Eugene Krein was born in Eureka, McPherson County, on March 2, 1927, to Julius and Rosa (Opp) Krein. He was baptized on April 24, 1927, at Calvin Reformed Church by the Rev. Diedrich Buelter and, on June 15, 1941, was confirmed at the Hosmer Reformed Church by the Rev. Walter Grossman.
On Oct. 19, 1947, Earl was united in marriage to Gertrude Werre of Eureka at Zion Lutheran Church, with the Rev. P.A. Hinrichs officiating.
Earl received his grade school education in Stickel Township and Eureka Public School. He graduated from Eureka High School in 1945. He participated in basketball and football while in high school and was Homecoming king.
Earl spent his entire adult life engaged in farming, for many years in partnership with his father, farming the land homesteaded by his grandfather, Frederick Krein, who came to the United States and McPherson County from Russia in 1885. Later, Earl and son, Gary, operated the cattle and grain farm in partnership.
Earl and his wife lived at the Krein homestead for 30 years, then purchased a home in Eureka and moved to Eureka in 1977.
Earl served as a school board member in Stickel Township, was a Jaycee, a member of Eureka Development Corporation, served on the ASC Committee, zoning board, Eureka Chamber of Commerce, was a county commissioner for approximately 11 years and belonged to the Eureka Country Club. He was a member of the Eureka Reformed Church and served as an elder and taught Sunday school. He was proud of his children and grandchildren.
Earl was known for his expertise in making German pork sausage and shared it with family and friends. He enjoyed playing cards and played golf.
Earl is survived by his wife, Gertrude; daughter, Sandy (Glenn) Opp; son, Gary (Nancy) Krein; grandchildren: Damon Opp, Jordan (Tawny) Opp, Julius Dean "J.D." Krein and Hilary M. Krein; brother, Ted (Juanita) Krein; and sister-in-law, Kathryn Krein.
He was preceded in death by his parents; and brother, Dean Krein.
The organist will be Esther Grosz, and soloist will be Charles Koerner.
The family prefers memorials to Avera Eureka Community Hospital or Avera Eureka Health Care Center.
Carlsen Funeral Home of Eureka has been entrusted with arrangements.
carlsenfh.com