Francis Kritzberger

Francis Kritzberger passed away on Monday, February 19, 2024, at his home near Hillsboro, ND, under the care of Hospice of the Red River Valley, surrounded by his loving family.

Francis Leroy Kritzberger was born on September 2, 1945, the son of Leonard and Edna (Hemberger) Kritzberger, in Fargo, ND. He grew up on the family farm west of Hillsboro attending Hillsboro Public Schools, graduating in May of 1963.

Francis began farming with his brother, Lynn in 1964, continuing the family tradition, until handing the management of the farm to his son, Peter in 2007. Francis stayed close at hand, ready to offer advice when needed.

Francis was united in marriage to Elizabeth Vettel on October 25, 1969, at St. Rose of Lima Church. Together they made their home on the family farm where they raised their eight children.

Throughout the years, Francis served on numerous boards including Norwest Bank, the Farmers Union Oil Company – Kelso for nine years, the Health and Humanities Foundation for nine years, and the American Crystal Sugar Board from 1989 -1993 and 1996 – 2008, serving as Chairman his last year. He was also very active at his church, St. Rose of Lima Catholic Church, serving on the parish council, as a CCD teacher, served as a Lector and Eucharistic Distributor at Mass, and was also an active member of the Knights of Columbus.

Francis was a devoted family man, a farmer at heart, and a man of strong faith, praying the rosary every day. He supported and mentored many local farmers with his knowledge gained from years of experience. With the changing seasons and the arrival of fall, came his favorite job of topping beets – he just completed his 50th year of topping this past fall. He also enjoyed football – whether it was Hillsboro High School, NDSU, Minnesota Vikings or Kansas City Chiefs, he would be watching with a bowl of popcorn and diet coke cheering them on.

Francis is survived by his loving wife of 54 years, Liz; his children – Pete (Angela) Kritzberger, Leonard Kritzberger, Steph Kritzberger, Jeanne Kritzberger, David (Loretta) Kritzberger and John (Jacque) Kritzberger; and his grandchildren – Evan, Zoe, Ali and Nina Kritzberger, Brennan Morris, Janessa Kritzberger, Gabe Eggen, Clare and Isabel Overby, Nadia and Elizabeth Kritzberger, EllieMae, Layne and Lily Kritzberger. Also surviving are his sisters – Peg Nero, Sharon (Duane) Marvick, Rose (Dan) Mayo, and Ann (Tom) Delmar; his sister-in-law, Deb Kritzberger; his brothers – Bob (Annette) Kritzberger, Jim (Mary) Kritzberger, Bill (Patti) Kritzberger, and Tom (Cindy) Kritzberger; his brothers-in-law – Bill (Ann) Vettel, Bob (Virginia) Vettel and Brad (Twila) Vettel; his sister-in-law, Barb (Terry) West; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Francis was preceded in death by his parents; his brothers – Lynn and Terry; his son, Steven; his daughter, Jill; his parents-in-law, Walter and Margaret Mary Vettel; his sister-in-law, Bev Dennis; and his brother-in-law, Bill Nero.

FUNERAL MASS: 11 AM Monday, February 26, 2024, at St. Rose of Lima Catholic Church in Hillsboro – with visitation one hour prior
PRAYER SERVICE: 6 PM Sunday, February 25, 2024, at St. Rose of Lima – with visitation beginning at 4 PM
BURIAL: St. Rose of Lima Catholic Cemetery

Arrangements have been entrusted to the care of Wildeman-Boulger Funeral Home in Hillsboro. To sign the online guest book, please visit our website at www.boulgerfuneralhome.com