Linus “Linnie” Kral, age 80 of Sleepy Eye, Minnesota, died at his home on Tuesday, December 17, 2024, surrounded by the love of his family. Visitation will be held on Thursday, December 26, 2024, from 4:00 pm until 7:00 pm at Sturm Funeral Home, Sleepy Eye Chapel with Parish Prayers at 3:45 pm. Visitation will continue on Friday from 10:00 am until 11:00 am at St. Mary’s Catholic Church – North Entrance in Sleepy Eye with Knights of Columbus Rosary at 10:30 am. Funeral Mass will be held at St. Mary’s Catholic Church on Friday, December 27, 2024, at 11:00 am and will be livestreamed at https://www.facebook.com/
Linus Benjamin Kral, the son of Raymond and Loretta (Haala) Kral, was born on December 19, 1943, with his twin sister Phyllis in Sleepy Eye, Minnesota. He attended country school through the 6th grade and graduated from St. Mary’s Catholic School in 1961. After high school, Linus drove truck for Mathiowetz Construction. In 1964, he enlisted in the National Guard where he served his country for six years. Linus developed great cooking skills while feeding the soldiers, and he became the designated chef for family gatherings.
Linus met his bride, Janet Cunningham, at a dance and they were married on June 5, 1971, at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Sleepy Eye. They were blessed with two children and raised their family on their farm in Stark Township. Linus farmed for decades, retiring in 2004. He also drove part-time for Pork Storks for over 20 years.
Community-minded with a heart for service, Linus was the first to offer up his time and lend a hand. He served on various boards including the Stark Baseball Board since 1976 where he served as president, Stark Township Board since 1978, Sleepy Eye Farmers Elevator Board from 1979 to 2001 where he served as secretary, and Brown County Pork Producers for six years. Additionally, Linus coached a girls’ softball league. He was a lifelong member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Sleepy Eye, an active member of the Knights of Columbus since 1969 where he shared his cooking with the community, and a member of Catholic Aid Association since 1956.
Music was an integral part of Linus’ life. When he was around ten years old, he learned to play the concertina from his uncle and in high school he had his own three-piece band. He loved old-time music and played drums with the Leon Helget band. He was a member of the Sleepy Eye Area Concertina Club where he served as president from 2015 until 2022. Linus and his wife Janet together, gave back to the community through music by volunteering countless hours playing concertina and keyboard for various occasions and facilities.
Besides music, Linus enjoyed bowling, golfing, playing cards, and putting puzzles together with his grandchildren. He especially loved going to his grandchildren’s activities including football, BMX dirt bike racing, go-kart racing, baseball, hockey, demolition derbies, softball, volleyball, theater performances and dance competitions.
Linus never hesitated to help others and when he saw a need, he filled it whether it was donating blood or being a sponsor to four young boys in Guatemala, one of whom he met there in 2005 on a Mission Trip. He sought out ways to give, to help, and to care. Linus was an amazing husband, dad, and grandpa who loved his family beyond measure. He leaves a legacy of generosity, kindness, and service to others and he will be profoundly missed.
Linus is survived by his wife and musical partner of 53 years, Janet Kral; daughter, Sandi (Corey) Koop; son, Shaun (Shannon) Kral; grandchildren, Blake (Kayla) Kral, Jayda Kral, Lexi Kral, Brecklyn Kral, Casey Koop, and Calli Koop; brother, Ray Jr. (Susie) Kral; sister-in-law, Eileen Kral; and other loving relatives and friends.
Linus was preceded in death by his parents, Ray Sr. and Loretta Kral; brother, Marvin Kral; twin sister, Phyllis Juni; brother-in-law, Frederick Juni and parents-in-law, Russell and Louise Cunningham.
