Harold Alfred Krage

Harold Krage, 92, of Westport, SD, passed away Sunday, May 29, 2022, at his home.

The Funeral Service will be 2:00 p.m., Tuesday, June 7, 2022, at Schriver’s Memorial Chapel, Aberdeen, officiating will be Pastor Alan Ludwig of Our Savior Lutheran Church.

The burial will be at Riverside Memorial Park with Military Honors.

Visitation is 5-7 p.m., Monday, at the mortuary.  Visitation continues one hour before the service at the mortuary.

Schriver’s Memorial Mortuary and Crematory, 414 5th Avenue NW, Aberdeen, is in charge of arrangements.  Family and friends may sign the online guestbook and also view the service at www.schriversmemorial.com.

Harold Alfred Krage was born on December 4, 1929, in Aberdeen, South Dakota, to Ewald and Helen (Hinz) Krage.  He was one of four children and attended Peck Country School.  He graduated from Westport High School. He entered the United States Air Force in January 1951 and received his honorable discharge in November 1952.

In 1951, Harold entered into marriage with Lorraine Knittel. In 1952, they were blessed with a daughter.  They resided on the family farm in Westport, SD for 25 years.

In 1977, Harold was united in marriage to Gwen (Jones) West on July 8.  Gwen brought three more children to the family.  Harold and Gwen then had two daughters of their own.  They resided together on the family farm in Westport for 45 years.   Harold was an avid cattleman and farmer.  He created the best pedigrees through his AI-ing skills-first Simmental, then Black Angus.  He was membership #531 of the Simmental Association. He often told stories of how he was called upon as the “area vet.”  He also had a passion for creating a habitat where his pheasants and deer could flourish and with that came his prideful CRP acres and food plots. He kept the pheasants in abundance by his persistent trapping, which he also enjoyed.  

He had a special way with people, making so many friends everywhere he went.  He enjoyed coffee with friends at the Millstone for years, Wednesday nights out with Gwen and friends - enjoying his signature drink, Cutty Sark. Some of his favorite things included cherry pie, the infamous black-raspberry shake, and the FunTime Polka Party!

Harold found enjoyment in patrolling his land.  He would say, “I’ve gotta go round up the birds.”  The vehicles he drove became trademarks.  He would haul hunters to the prime locations to help them get the best shot.  Even at the age of 91, this past fall, he was living his best life guiding his friends out in the field. He loved his German Shorthair pups, most of all - Radar, Babe, and “B.”  His hunters would come out to celebrate his birthdays with his family and his favorite celebrations included karaoke.  Harold’s all-time favorite, special memory was singing “Elvira,” with his group of hunters from the Minnesota Twins Organization.  

Harold also had a passion for planting tomatoes and moss roses.  He took the time to pull all the flowers that were not quite good enough for his flower bed.  They had to be a certain color and be the “double petal,” not the “single petal” flower.  He also thought some of the better flower choices would be purple petunias and red geraniums.  

He loved to hear stories and see videos about his grandchildren’s successes and he would brag them up any chance he got.  He was so proud of the genetics he passed on from generation to generation.  He spoke often of his German heritage since his father came to the States in 1911 from Germany.  His greatest accomplishments would be his family and his farm.  

His favorite stories to tell over the years included how the Air Force “needed a few good men,” how proud he was to serve on the Board of Directors for South Dakota Wheat Growers, his times with friends that involved his strong-arming and pool playing, and making it annually to the Brown County Fair.  He also was proud that his class selected him as “Most Likely to Succeed.” When asked what three words would describe himself best, he responded, “Curious, polite, honest.”  Those qualities and many more made him simply the BEST.  

Grateful for having shared his life with are his wife, Gwen of Westport, SD; his children: Nancy Scott of Great Falls, MT, Angela (West) Tofflemire of Goodyear, AZ, Scott West of Westport, SD, Darin West of Aberdeen, SD, Kellee Moen of Buffalo, MN, and Tanya (Dana) Dargatz of Aberdeen, SD, 18 grandchildren, 18 great-grandchildren, his brother LeRoy (Linda) Krage of Aberdeen, SD, and sister Marjorie Peterson of Bloomington, MN, and his many nieces, nephews and cousins.

Preceding Harold in death are his parents: Ewald and Helen Krage, brother Ewald Jr. Krage, and four infant children: “Baby Krage,” Penny, Jayne, and Nathan.

Casket bearers are his grandsons: Bo Scott, Tyler West, Dillon West, Austin Tofflemire, Ben Boorse, and Jackson Dargatz.  Honorary casket bearers include all of his grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

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