In Memory of Betty L. Krager

Betty Krager, age 81, of Ida Grove, Iowa, passed away on February 25, 2025, at Gracewell, An Eventide Community Care Center of Denison, Iowa.

A Funeral Service will be held at 10:30 a.m., Tuesday, March 4, 2025, at the St. Paul Lutheran Church of Ida Grove, Iowa. Rev. Neil Wehmas will officiate. Committal Services will follow in the Ida Grove Cemetery of Ida Grove, Iowa.

Visitation will be held from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., Monday, March 3, 2025, at the St. Paul Lutheran Church of Ida Grove, Iowa.

The Christensen-Van Houten Funeral Home of Ida Grove, Iowa, is in charge of the funeral arrangements.  Condolences may be sent online at www.christensenvanhouten.com

Born on May 12, 1943, in Ida Grove, Iowa, lifelong resident Betty Lou Krager, was one of three daughters born to Lee and Florence (Wilcox) Pingrey. She was brought to her faith through baptism as an infant in the Church of God and later confirmed in her faith. Betty attended school in the Ida Grove Public School District and graduated from Ida Grove High School with the Class of 1961.

During her school years, Betty met the love of her life, Bernie Krager. The high school sweethearts were united in marriage on April 22, 1962 and made their forever home in Ida Grove. Betty and Bernie were blessed with three sons Kevin, Keith, and Kris. Later the family expanded with the addition of three beloved daughters-in-law Valerie, Christine, and Tina, whom Betty loved like her own daughters. In 1985, Betty took over the bookkeeping for the family business Krager Trucking and Grain. She was always looking after her family and was a rock for her daughter-in-law’s when the men were away working.

Betty was a faithful member of the St. Paul Lutheran Church of Ida Grove where she belonged to ladies aid, taught Sunday school, and participated in bell choir when she was able. Betty liked sewing, crocheting, bowling on women’s league, and was an avid reader. She also enjoyed wintering for 10 years in Arizonia with Bernie after she retired.

A devoted wife, mother, and grandmother, Betty was always dependable and there for her family at their time of need; especially her grandchildren and their forgotten things. She will be remembered fondly for her spunky, fun-loving attitude, and for those who know, the phone lines will be safe this April Fool’s Day.  

Left to cherish her memory include her husband Bernie Krager of Ida Grove, Iowa; sons Kevin (Valerie) Krager, Keith (Christine) Krager, and Kris (Tina) Krager all of Ida Grove, Iowa; grandchildren: Lacey (Reece) Bengford, Katey (Austin) Fritz, Dusty (Adrian) Lozano, Kendra (Michael) Grote, Kent (Karlie) Krager, and Kurtis (Kylie) Krager; great grandchildren: Kya, Merritt, Emery, Madelyn, K.J., Colt, Josie, Gentry, Lainey, and Kara; sister LeAnn (Gary) Carlson of Kiron, Iowa; many nieces, nephews, extended family and friends.

Betty was preceded in death by her parents Lee and Florence Pingrey; grandchildren Kody Krager and Austin Krager; and sister Marlene (Robert) Bennigsdorf.