James "Jim" Crabb

James William (Jim) Crabb passed away on May 18, 2022 with his family by his side while under the gentle care of Knute Nelson Hospice.

Jim was born on April 3, 1931 to Joseph and Esther (Johnson) Crabb on the family farm. He was baptized into the Lutheran faith at Trinity Lutheran Church in New York Mills and confirmed at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Wadena. Jim’s faith continued to be his foundation throughout his life. Jim attended country school through 8th grade and then attended Sebeka School for 9th grade.

On June 23, 1952, Jim married the love of his life, Betty Jean Kovar. They resided in a log house on the family farm by Bluffton. They were blessed with three daughters: Debra, Jean, and Tammy. In 1955, Jim and Betty moved to their farm by Hewitt. When they moved to the farm, they lived with the previous owner (Otto Fenske) for five years. When the girls were young, Jim would take time after lunch every day to play a game with them. Jim’s girls were his world.

Jim was a dairy farmer with Registered Holsteins who took pride in his work. In his spare time, he enjoyed bowling and playing horseshoes. Jim sold his dairy cattle in 1996. He continued with raising young stock for many years after that.

Jim was a loving father and grandfather. Being with his family filled his heart and Jim cherished any chance to be together. Grandpa Jim made visits to the farm magical with tractor rides, searches for kittens, and visits to “Treasure Island.” Jim was clever with a quick wit. He always had a joke with a twinkle in his eye. Jim enjoyed his life to the fullest. During his final years, he was blessed to be cared for by Betty. He never missed an opportunity to let people know how thankful he was for her.

Jim is preceded in death by his parents; his daughter, Tammy Iken; his brother, Joraine (Beulah) Crabb; and his sisters: Maxine (Alvin) Brasel, Verna (Alex) Yackamovich, and Ruby (Warren) Barnts.

Jim is survived by his loving wife almost 70 years, Betty; his daughters: Debra (Randy) Riemer and Jeannie (Doug) Stromberg; his son in law, Bob Iken Jr; his sister Dot (Ralph) Schwartz; his grandchildren: Michael (Betsy) Stromberg, Erin (Brian) Guck, Bryan (Cally) Stromberg, Eric Riemer, James Iken, Jessica (Joe Moench) Iken, and Nicole Iken; his great grandchildren: Jack, William, Lucy, Riley, Abby, Grayson, Hayden, Weston, Bryndle, Avery, Neveah, and Kobe; brothers in law Dick (Fayette) Kovar and Joe Kovar; sister in law Joyce Wegscheid; and many other very loved family members and friends.

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