Obituary of Dallas Jerry Kreps

Dallas Jerry Kreps was born on March 12th, 1944, in Willmar, Minnesota, to the most wonderful, God-fearing parents in the world. He was later joined by four siblings, Rodney, Sherry, Larry, and Charles. Raised on a Minnesota farm, he always said it was the best place for anyone to grow up. In 1962, he joined the US Navy and served four years. They took the train from Willmar to the induction center in Minneapolis, he remembered his mom cried the entire trip. He enjoyed the service, being independent, making buddies and seeing the world. He earned a business degree from Mankato State University in 1971. Only one problem, the country was in recession and there was no business. So, hiring on with his uncle at highway contractor Duininck Bros. began his career working on the road. He married the love of his life, Lois Ann Strom, on October 23, 1971. She was the best and most important thing in his life. They shared a love for God and a love for helping others. They have three children, Kelly, Danny, and Randy. Without sounding prejudice, he would say they are all very good kids, although his hair was not grey before they came along. He adored his five grandchildren, Lindsey, Tyler, Kobe, Zoe and Zuri, and had a special bond with each of them. Summers are short up north (it is said that Minnesota has 2 seasons, winter and road construction), so the family moved to Texas in 1986. His mom said if she knew he would end up moving 1,000 miles away to Dallas, she would have named him something else! Road construction was a tough job, just right for his hard-working nature. He loved his work, the company, and the friendships, and retired in 2012 after 44 years with Duininck’s. He truly lived out his favorite verse, Colossians 3:23, not just in his career but in all the work he did. “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters”. Dallas loved taking on one too many projects, camping and fishing in the mountains with the boys, scenic road trips in the camper with Lois, and playing games with family and friends (he will be a legend in Farkle circles for years to come.) He was a faithful, selfless, kind, and generous soul who truly loved people. The past few years were difficult. Fighting pulmonary fibrosis, he could no longer enjoy many of the things he loved. However, he always praised the Lord. His life motto was “Do not criticize, condemn, or complain.” And through all the pain, he really did not complain. He wrote these words in preparation, “I thank God for every day I’ve had, and look forward to heaven.” Dallas went to be with his Savior on Sunday morning, January 19, 2020. He passed at his home in Justin, TX, his wife and family by his side. Survived by wife Lois Ann Kreps, sister Sherry Miller, brothers Rodney Kreps and Larry Kreps, children Kelly Erickson, Danny Kreps, and Randy Kreps, and grandchildren Lindsey Moore, Tyler Moore, Kobe Kreps, Zoe Kreps and Zuri Kreps. Preceded in death by parents Elinor and Gerald Kreps, and brother Charlie.