Bernard Kriens

Bernard John Kriens, 83, of Fridley, passed away on May 31st, 2021. A devoted husband, father, and grandfather, Bernie was born January 22, 1938 to Gustaf and Hattie Kriens in Ruthven, IA, the youngest of 5 children. He graduated from Akeley High School in 1956. Upon graduation, he worked with his brothers doing road construction and in 1957 enlisted in the Army. His basic training was in Fort Chaffee, AR and was then deployed to Berlin, Germany with the 6th Infantry Regiment. Bernie and Loralee met at Bemidji State where Bernie majored in Business with an Accounting concentration. They married on December 27th, 1967. Bernie and Loralee began their lives together in Columbia Heights and soon after moved to Fridley where they resided until his passing. They have two daughters and three grandsons whom he adored. Bernie worked for the City of Minneapolis, ending his career of 25 years as Controller and Director of Administration. Bernie loved his family and treasured every moment spent together. He also had a true passion for golf and the outdoors in general. You could find him on the course every Tuesday and Saturday for many years and in his backyard swinging his clubs on a hot summer afternoon. He is survived by his wife Loralee, his daughters Candace Nelson (Jason Nelson) and Karee Sombrio (Mike Sombrio), sister-in-law Maybelle Kriens, brother-in-law Ron Walstrom, and grandsons Reed Nelson, Ryan Nelson and Linden Sombrio. He is preceded in death by his parents Gus and Hattie Kriens, siblings Dale Kriens, Darrell Kriens, Shirley Walstrom and Kathleen Olson. A private family service will be held at St. Timothy's Lutheran. In lieu of flowers we welcome donations to the Minneapolis Heart Institute. The Heart Institute saved his life more than one time and we are forever grateful. You can donate online at: https://mplsheart.org