John George Kruta, 80, of Thief River Falls, Minnesota, passed away peacefully at his home on Wednesday, November 19, 2025.
Funeral Services will be held at 11:00 AM on Saturday, November 29, 2025 at Johnson Funeral Service in Thief River Falls, MN. Burial will follow at the Gust National Cemetery, rural Strathcona, MN. Following the burial, everyone is welcome for a reception at the Benwood Community Center.
Visitation will take place one hour prior to the funeral service on Saturday at Johnson Funeral Service.
Born in Roseau, Minnesota, on November 7, 1945, John was the son of George and Helen (Kluzak) Kruta. He grew up near Strathcona on his family farm and attended Greenbush High School. On August 23, 1969, he married the love of his life, June Curtiss, and together they built a life rooted in love, hard work, and family.
After working hard on the family farm, John and June moved to Thief River Falls. John was a skilled carpenter who worked for many years at Home Lumber. Later in life, he began working for Dave Wilson, providing snow removal and yardwork services. His dedication to his craft and his neighbors was evident in everything he did. He was always determined that there was only one way to do it, “The right way.”
A man of simple pleasures, John found joy in yard work and woodworking. He was a proud member of the Czech Lodge in Strathcona and cherished the traditions and camaraderie it brought. John was the one everyone went to for family history or information about anything that ever happened in Northwestern Minnesota.
John is survived by his loving wife of 56 years, June; his children, Jamie Kruta and Jodi Kruta; and his cherished granddaughter, Addison Kruta. He is also survived by his siblings, Richard Kruta, Shirley (Joe) Burian, and Ted (Gail) Kruta; brother-in-law, Jerry Conover; sister-in-law, Jean Russell; and many nieces, nephews, and dear friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents; siblings, Adeline (Wally) Lenoir and Alice Brazier (Jack Brazier) Conover; sister-in-law, Pat Kruta; and many other beloved relatives and friends.
John will be remembered for his quiet strength, his devotion to family, and the pride he took in his work and home. His legacy lives on in the hearts of those who knew and loved him.
