Geraldine Krmpotich Craven

Geraldine (Geri) Lois Willows Krmpotich Craven passed peacefully in her sleep at home in Lone Tree, CO on Sunday, March 15, at the age of 84. Geri was the 13th, and youngest child, of Anna Hjelt. Her father was Nestor Willows.

Geri is survived by her four children; Lee (Connie) Krmpotich of Delafield, WI; Larry (Mary) Krmpotich of Mankato, MN; Susan (Tom) Schwein of Highlands Ranch, CO; and Sally (Bobby) Potter of Burleson, TX; her twenty grandchildren: Laurie, Kate, Kristi, Luke, Tara, Tyler, Paige, Jacob, Kendra, Brandon, Kirby, Brett, Joseph, Payton, Karla, Kit, Elisabeth, Matthew, Mary & David, and twenty-one great-grandchildren. She is also survived by her brother, Marvin (Lois) Willows of Porter, TX; and many nieces and nephews.

Geri was born on August 23, 1935 in Kettle River, MN (the youngest of 13 children) and raised in Duluth, MN. After graduating from Duluth Central High School, she moved to Minneapolis, MN. She married Edward Joseph Krmpotich on April 7, 1956 and they moved to Minnetonka, MN to raise their family. Ed preceded her in death in May, 1996. She moved to Castle Rock, CO in 1998. Geri married Gary Lavelle Craven on May 17, 2014, and they moved into MorningStar Retirement Home in 2017. Gary preceded her in death in August, 2018.

Geri stayed very active and participated in many activities including swimming, playing cards, cheering for the Vikings, Packers, and Broncos, dancing, watching Jeopardy, and leading Wednesday’s Rosary at MorningStar. She loved traveling, having a good party, and hosting dinners. She enjoyed watching her children’s and grandchildren’s activities and spending time with her family at Kamp Krmpotich, the family’s annual reunion. Most of all, she enjoyed being a sister, aunt, wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. She loved her Finnish heritage (SISU!), took an active role in her Church and cherished her Catholic faith.

Geri loved great conversation and valued every friendship. She was respected for the wisdom she offered and the care she gave. She chose to live a happy life and shared her positive energy with others. Geri led by example and she will be missed.

There will be a Catholic Mass (date to be determined).

Burial will be at Fort Snelling Military Cemetery in Minneapolis, MN on July 10, 2020.

The family has asked that any donations go towards the “Bench Memorial Fund for Geraldine Craven” at St. Francis of Assisi Church in Castle Rock, CO.

You can make donations online by going to https://www.stfranciscr.org/donate-now, clicking on the Donate Now button, then Click to Donate, and scroll down to Geri’s memorial fund.