Frances Kruger

Frances Ina Kruger, age 93, of Perham, MN died Friday, March 20, 2020 at Perham Health.

Frances, was born on July 4, 1926 to Fred and Inga (Syverson) Nelson in Flom, MN. When Frances was two years old, she was involved in a farm accident in which she sustained a severe leg injury and was not expected to live. Being the “tough Norwegian” that she was, she fought through and lived a full and productive life.

She attended school in the Height of Land/Cotton Lake area for 8 grades.

Music was a great joy in her life always bringing a smile to her face. She began playing the banjo when she was 16 years old. Accompanied by her father on the violin, they entertained at house parties and barn dances during her early years.

On October 30, 1947, she married Julius Kruger at St. John’s Lutheran Church of Height of Land. Throughout her life, Frances did house cleaning for many families, resorts, & businesses. Her “bum” leg, as she referred to it, never stopped her from dancing with her “man”, Julius, and kicking up her heels at the many dances they attended. In her later years, she was involved with numerous music groups, entertaining people at nursing homes, birthday parties, and community events. Frances & Julius were married for 64 years until Julius passed on April 30, 2012. Rural Becker County was their life long home where they raised their two children, Fran and Jim. In July 2013, Frances entered Perham Living where she lived until her death.

Survivors include: One daughter, Fran (Ron) Johnson of Perham; son, Jim (Kim Tate) of Frazee; one brother, Ed (Carol) Nelson of Rochert; 4 grandchildren; Jackie (Thor) Christianson of Carver, MN, Bob (Angie) Johnson and Rick (Chas) Johnson of Perham, and Michelle (Geoff) Theobald of Victoria, MN and 10 great grandchildren; Katarina, Connor, Torin, and Tyr Christianson, Lilli and Kailee Johnson, Mylinda and Paige Johnson, and Evalyn & Alyvia Theobald and many nieces, nephews, relatives and friends.

Preceding her in death were her parents, Fred and Inga; husband, Julius; sister, Janet Nelson of Detroit Lakes, and brother, Mervin Nelson of Detroit Lakes.

Burial took place at St. John’s Lutheran Church at Height of Land on March 23, 2020.