Jean I. Kreps

Jean Kreps, 86, of rural Moorhead, MN, died Sunday, March 22, 2015, in Bethany Retirement Living, Fargo, ND.

Jean Irwina Gaylord was born August 19, 1928, to Frank and Alma (Frisvold) Gaylord in Fargo, and grew up near Detroit Lakes, MN. She graduated from Detroit Lakes High School and moved to the Fargo-Moorhead area where she worked at Gaffney's and the Veteran's Administration. On February 29, 1948, Jean married William Kreps. They farmed and raised their family south of Moorhead.

Jean was a loving mother and grandmother and was an active participant in the lives of her children and grandchildren. Jean was a member of Trinity Lutheran Church in Moorhead for over 60 years. In addition, she was a member and leader in American Legion Women's Auxiliary and Sew, Chat and Eat, as well as many other organizations throughout her life. She loved watching and identifying birds and wildlife and enjoyed traveling.

Jean is survived by two daughters, Deborah (Eugene) Elhard, Ellendale, ND, and Jewell Jackson, West Fargo, ND; son, Mitchell (Nadezhda) Kreps, Fargo; seven grandchildren, Michelle (Clete) Steinwand, Chad (Heather) Elhard, Tanya, Nichoel (Tom Callahan) and Amanda Richards, Jason and Adrian Jackson, and Adrienne (Keith) Eider; and six great-grandchildren, Marshall and Alexandra Richards, Summer Steinwand, Ian and Max Elhard, and Isabella Skramstad.

She was preceded in death by her husband William; daughter, April Richards; son-in-law, Clayton Richards; parents, Frank and Alma Gaylord; sister, Carol Bakkila; and great-grandchild, Angela.

A service celebrating Jean's life will be held at 4 PM, Tuesday, March 31, 2015, at Korsmo Funeral Chapel in Moorhead, with visitation one hour prior to the service.

Jean requested 'snazzy casual dress' for the event. She also asked that in lieu of flowers and gifts, contributions be made to Hospice of the Red River Valley, Bethany Retirement Living, American Cancer Society, American Heart Association or The Salvation Army.