Illa Krengel Obituary

Illa J. Krengel died Thursday, February 5, 2026 at the Mapleton Community Home in Mapleton, MN. A memorial service will be held 11:00 am Thursday, February 26, 2026 at Peace Church in Minnesota Lake, MN. There will be a visitation one hour prior to the service (10-11:00 am). Pastor Rachael Morrison will officiate. Please see nasinecfh.com to leave online condolences. 
Illa Jean was born to James and Anna (Reding) Weydert on June 20, 1938, in Algona, IA, and was the youngest of seven children. Illa Jean attended school at Good Counsel Academy and graduated from Loyola High School in Mankato, MN. She married Ronald Krengel May 24, 1958, in Good Thunder, MN. They lived on the family farm in Minnesota Lake, MN, and most recently in Mapleton, MN.
Illa Jean and Ronald spent most of their lives working on the farm for as long as they were able. She was a prolific gardener who prepared, served, and preserved its produce for her family. She milled grain from the farm and gathered eggs from her chickens, churned butter from the dairy cows.  Beef, pork, and chicken—also raised on the farm—were somehow always on the table.  She was a gifted cook; her baked goods were tremendous. When not working on the farm Ronald and Illa Jean loved dancing, as well as visiting and entertaining friends and relatives.
After life on the farm, she continued gardening in town and was always willing to share her experience and knowledge with those around her.  Her sewing, quilting, crochet, and hardanger needlepoint produced many treasures for her family and friends.
Illa Jean was a faithful servant of the Lord, sharing her faith and demonstrating His love to family, friends, and neighbors. She was active in her church and lived a life worthy of the calling she received; she practiced hospitality, was faithful in prayer, and was always striving to be more and more like Christ.
She was preceded in death by her parents; brothers: Irvin and James Weydert; sisters: Velma Haeckel, Mary Wiebold, Eleanor McGuire, and Rosanne Barnard; daughters: Sheila Krengel and Tamra Belkholm; and grandson Bradley Barnard.
Illa is survived by her husband, Ronald; children: Steven (Kari) Krengel, Rhonda (Paul) Barnard, David Krengel, and Cheryl Krengel (Harold Manthey); 15 grandchildren; and 17 great-grandchildren.