James F. "Jim" Kroeger, 68 of Teutopolis, passed away at 8:46 a.m. Thursday, December 17, 2015 at H.S.H.S. St. Anthony Memorial Hospital in Effingham.

A funeral mass will be held at 10:30 a.m. Monday, December 21, 2015 at St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church in Teutopolis with burial in St. Francis Cemetery with military rites. Visitation will be held from 3:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Sunday evening at the church with a 5:00 p.m. parish wake service. Memorials may be made to the Teutopolis Veteran's Memorial Wall.

Jim was born January 14, 1947 in Effingham, the son of Louis and Clara (Goeckner) Kroeger. He married Vera C. Will on May 23, 1970 and she survives. Jim was a member of St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church in Teutopolis, Teutopolis Knights of Columbus Council #2874, Effingham American Legion Post #120, V.F.W. Post #1769 and the D.A.V..

Jim was a strong, devoted and ever-lasting; loving son, husband, father, brother, uncle, grandfather, great-grandfather, and best friend.  He knew no strangers.   His blood ran very, very deep, and he would do anything for anyone in need.  His grass roots led him into early childhood farming and then off to the Army, where he served in Germany. After his discharge, he went back to raising a family of six healthy girls, which we are truly grateful for.  His hobbies included:  dairy/grain farming, pumping oil wells, hunting, fishing, playing music, mushroom hunting, and family fun.  Jim was a musician and lead singer in the group, Country Cut Ups. He was truly a genuine friend to all who knew him.  He will be greatly missed.

Jim is survived by his wife, Vera of Teutopolis; six daughters, Carla (Jeff) Kenter of Teutopolis, Becky (Doug) Green of Teutopolis, Debbie (Tim) Koester of Effingham, Amy (Ben) Beckman of Teutopolis, Melinda (Josh) Bierman of Dietrich and Jamie (fiance, Todd Geier) Kroeger of Teutopolis; step-mother, Vera Vonderheide of Effingham; two brothers, Larry Kroeger and Charlie (Doloris) Kroeger, both of Teutopolis; sister, Alice Kroeger; six grandchildren, Jenna, Jody, Justin and Jason Kenter, Chloe Green and Lane Beckman; great-granddaughter, Kierstyn Dasenbrock.

He was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Tom; nephew, Todd Kroeger and niece, Linda (Croft) Derrick.