Jochem Cornelius “J.C. Cornie” Kraay, 84, of Owatonna, died Wednesday, Nov. 11, 2009, at Homestead Hospice House.
He was born Dec. 10, 1924, in Hollandale, the son of Cornelius and Susie (Aartsen) Kraay. Jochem married Doris Larson May 22, 1943, in Clarks Grove. He then served in the U.S. Army during World War II. After returning from his military service he farmed with his father in Hollandale. In 1956, he began farming with his brothers and formed Kraay Bros. Vegetable Farm in Owatonna. In 1978, J.C. started Tonna Heating and Cooling with his son, David. For 17years the couple made their home in Green Valley, Ariz., until moving back to Owatonna in 2007.
J.C. was a member of the Elks Club and the American Legion. Throughout his life he kept his entire family at the forefront of his life.
He is survived by his wife Doris Kraay of Owatonna; sons: David (and Leigh Ann) Kraay of Owatonna, Ron Kraay of Banner, Wy., and Tim Kraay of Fort Collins, Colo.; daughter, Debbie (and Kevin) Grose of Owatonna; brothers: Robert (and Till) Kraay and Jim (and Darlene) Kraay both of Owatonna; sisters: Gertie Silvis of Moraga, Calif., and Sue Veldman of Hollandale; grandchildren: Allan (and Michelle) Kraay of New Richland, Michelle Kraay of Sheboygen, Wis., Kelly Kraay of Owatonna, Laura Johnson of Banner, Wyo., Monique Kraay of Blooming Prairie, Janine Rowlett of New Hope, Christyne (and David) Frye of Omaha, Neb., Matthew Kraay of Omaha, Neb., Joshua Grose of Menomonie, Wis., Wyatt Grose of Owatonna and Chelsea Grose of Owatonna; great-grandchildren: Amanda Kraay, Cody and Dalton Kraay, Kierstene, Conner and Logan Frye, Jacob and Luke Rowlett. He is also survived by many nieces and nephews.
Jochem was preceded in death by his parents; daughters: Barbara Kraay and Joan Marie Kraay; son, Michael Kraay; brother, Ralph Kraay; sister, Eva Posthumus; and great-grandson, Aaron Kraay.
Visitation will be at Michaelson Funeral Home on Sunday from 1 to 4 p.m. and at First Baptist Church on Monday from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. Memorial services will be held Monday at 10:30 a.m. at First Baptist Church in Owatonna with the Rev. Cindy Halvorson officiating. Interment will be in the Clarks Grove Baptist Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to Homestead Hospice House, First Baptist Church or to the donor’s choice.