The memorial mass for longtime Eden area farmer, George Krista, will be 10:30 a.m. Saturday, March 23, 2024 at Sacred Heart Catholic Church of Eden. Rev. Fr. Ken Lulf will celebrate the mass. Interment will be in St. Michael Cemetery of Eden under the direction of the Olson Funeral Chapel of Britton.
Visitation will be from 5-7:00 Friday, March 22, 2024 at the church, concluding with a 7:00 p.m. vigil service.
George John Krista was born August 23, 1950 in Sisseton, SD to Michael “Mike” and Mathilda “Tillie” (Waletich) Krista. He attended Sacred Heart Grade School in Eden until the eighth grade before graduating from Roslyn High School in 1969. Following graduation he served in the National Guards for six years, and during that time he helped with the flood in Rapid City, SD in the 1970s.
After graduation he began his life’s work as a farmer. He was dedicated to his career and to his family. He, along with his brothers and later nephew, farmed the land his grandfather homesteaded near Eden. George was raised in the same house he was brought home in from the hospital as a baby and remained there until his health declined.
George’s greatest love was the farm, and he loved sharing that with his nephews. Family was important to him, and he cherished working along side his brother and best friend, Tom. He respected and cared for all animals and did not like to see one hurt or to be killed. If a calf was too skinny or orphaned, George would bottle feed them beyond the weaning deadline to help nurture them. He did not give up, and was always willing to put in the hard work and long hours.
George was a quiet, shy man and was not one for conflict. He did not like to buy anything new and often had a way to use what was available or able to fix. He was in a bowling league in Sisseton and played softball in Eden for many years. He also served on the board of Directors for the Eden Elevator. George was a member of Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Eden.
George passed away Friday, March 15, 2024 at Sanford Fargo Hospice House at the age of 73 after suffering a stroke.
Grateful for having shared George’s life are his siblings: Larry Krista, Marge Krista, Janice (Jim) Brakefield; and Pete (Mavis) Krista; his niece and nephews: Kris Brakefield (Bob) Baumgartner, Brian (Melissa) Brakefield, Ben Krista and Joe Krista; his great-nieces and nephew: Emily Baumgartner (Kurt) Celmer, Olivia Baumgartner, Sarah Baumgartner, Elizabeth Brakefield, Kyle Brakefield, Megan Brakefield and Layken Krista.
Preceding him in death were his parents, an infant brother and brother, Thomas Krista.
Condolences may be directed to the family in care of Marge Krista – 44257 120th St. – Eden, SD 57232.
An online guestbook and obituary are available at www.olsonfuneralchapel.
