In Memory of Melvin "Pat" B. Krayenhagen

Melvin “Pat” B. Krayenhagen, age 90, of Battle Creek, Iowa, passed away on Thursday, September 10, 2026, at the UnityPoint-Health St. Lukes Regional Hospital in Sioux City, Iowa.

A Funeral Service will be held at 10:30 a.m., Wednesday, September 16, 2026, in the First Presbyterian Church in Battle Creek, Iowa. Rev. Dr. Jim Edwards will officiate. Committal Services will follow in the Mt. Hope Cemetery in Battle Creek, Iowa, with Military Rites Conducted by Maple Valley Post No. 364 of the American Legion of Battle Creek, Iowa.

A Visitation will be held from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., Tuesday, September 15, 2026, in the First Presbyterian Church in Battle Creek, Iowa.

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

Melvin “Pat” B. Krayenhagen, the son of Marvin and Lucille (Andresen) Krayenhagen, was born on December 18, 1935, in rural Ida County, Iowa. He grew up on the family farm outside of Battle Creek, Iowa, where the values of hard work, responsibility, and a love for the land became an important part of who he was. Pat received his education in Battle Creek and graduated from Battle Creek High School with the Class of 1954.

Following graduation, Pat enlisted in the United States Army Air Force and later transitioned into the United States Air Force. His time in the military was cut short when he returned home on emergency leave after his father was injured in a farming accident. With family and the farm needing him, Pat remained at home, working alongside his family and helping area farmers whenever an extra hand was needed.

On June 8, 1958, Pat married the love of his life, Georgine A. Groth, in the First Presbyterian Church in Battle Creek. Together, they settled on Georgine’s family farm, where they began building a life rooted in family, farming, and the land they called home. Pat and Georgine were blessed with three children: Debra, Yvonne, and John.

For many years, Pat and Georgine worked side by side on the farm while raising their family. Farming was more than Pat’s occupation; it was a way of life. In 1997, they moved from the farm into the town of Battle Creek. Pat officially retired in 2016, although, as anyone who knew him understood, farmers never truly retire. He continued tinkering with machinery, lending a hand during harvest, and staying connected to the everyday rhythms of farm life.

Pat was a natural craftsman who enjoyed working with his hands. His many interests included woodworking, stained glass, gardening, and landscaping. He took great pride in caring for his yard and even made sure the neighborhood squirrels were well fed. Pat also enjoyed traveling, rarely missing an opportunity to capture the places he visited and the memories made along the way with his camera.

Some of Pat’s most contented moments were also among the simplest. On a warm summer day, he could often be found sitting out back with his faithful companion, Shady, by his side, admiring the yard he had worked so carefully to create. It was there, surrounded by the beauty of the outdoors, that Pat could simply sit back and enjoy the life he had built.

Left to cherish his memory are his wife 68 years, Georgine Krayenhagen of Battle Creek, IA; children Debra (Tom) Uhl of Schleswig, IA, Yvonne (Randy) Colshan of Mapleton, IA, and John (Sam Andersen) of Battle Creek, IA; grandchildren: Jason (Casey) Uhl, Renee Sheehan, Jennifer (Brad) Segebart, Sara (Archie) Kelly, Brett (Tiffany) Schrank, Jakinzi Krayenhagen, and Jalayni Krayenhagen; great-grandchildren: Mckenna, Trenton, Emma, William, Thomas, Nora, and Rylie; great-great grandchild Baylee; brother Marlin “ Mike” Krayenhagen of Spirit Lake, IA; four legged companion “ Shady”; and many nieces, nephews, extended family and friends.

Melivn “Pat” is preceded in death by his parents Marvin and Lucille Krayenhagen; sister

La Vonna (Louie) Reitz; and nephew David Krayenhagen.