James Chris Kraska, 62

James Chris Kraska, 62, of Lancaster MN passed away Sunday June 4, 2023 at Kittson Memorial Hospital. Jim was born on January 21, 1961 in St. Louis Park, MN to Leo and Barb (Nielsen) Kraska. He grew up in Hopkins MN until the family moved home to Lancaster in 1966. Jim loved living on the farm with his brothers and sister and he often spoke of the trouble they would get themselves into. Jim graduated from Lancaster High School in 1979. Soon after graduation, he started working at Motor Coach Industries in Pembina ND where he worked for the next 29 years until his health forced him to retire. He had 3 children, Chelsie, Josh, and Jordan and spent most of his days just being a dad. Saturday morning drives around the country with his kids was a tradition for many years. Before his heart attack in 2008, Jim loved to go fishing, hunting, camping, and spending time outdoors. He somehow always seemed to have caught the biggest fish even though others might have disagreed. Jim enjoyed catching up with old friends, usually over a beer, and was generally known as a happy go-lucky kind of guy. Jim kept plenty busy playing softball and golf as well as being a member of the fire department.

He is survived by his children Chelsie, Josh, and Jordan. His brothers Jon (Cindy), Joe (Angel Yonke), and Butch (Deb) Kraska. His sister Jennifer (Loren) Hagen and many nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his parents Leo and Barb Kraska. Grandparents John and Josephine Kraska and Rasmus and Mildred Nielsen.

Funeral services are scheduled for Monday, June 12, 2023 at 10:30 a.m. in Holy Rosary Catholic Church, rural Lancaster. Interment will be in the church cemetery. Visitation will be held at the church for one hour prior to the service. Austin Funeral Home, Hallock.