Fern Viola Kral was born March 5, 1924, in Fort Morgan, Colorado, to Hazel and William Griese, who raised Fern to become the wonderful woman she will always be remembered as. Fern passed away peacefully on her 102nd birthday, March 5, 2026.

Fern loved hosting Sunday dinners on the family farm in Woodrow, Colorado, preparing home-cooked meals from scratch for those she loved. She and her husband, Joseph Sr. Kral, raised nine beautiful children on the farm. Fern often shared stories of continuing to do farm chores well into her 80s. She loved sewing and crocheting beautiful blankets, pouring love into every stitch. Fern frequently spoke with pride about her marriage, her strong work ethic, her youthful spirit, and most of all, her love for her family.

Joseph Sr. and Fern tied the knot on July 25, 1939. Together they welcomed nine children into the world. Fern shared many fond memories of life on their family farm in Woodrow, Colorado, a place full of crops, Black Angus cattle, and the occasional barn cat and dog. She worked tirelessly to maintain her home and flower beds while also helping with farm work, from bucking bales and watering cows to driving the truck while fences were built. Through it all, she always made sure a hot meal was waiting on the table for her family.

Fern often said she loved life on the farm and would not have chosen any other way of living. She would fondly recall her husband's reassuring words during the ups and downs of farming: "Next year will be better." Fern took great pride in tending her flower beds, which always brightened the home. She was also very active in her church, faithfully attending Sunday morning services with Joseph Sr., followed by lunch at the sale barn. She cherished the fellowship of a wonderful group of church women who gathered monthly for lunch. Fern also loved crafting, crocheting and sewing blankets and projects for others. Each week she enjoyed playing bingo, often taking home a prize or two.

Fern captured the hearts of everyone she met. She had a lovable, kind-hearted, and approachable spirit, often greeting others by asking, "What's new?" She always took time to ask about everyone's day and was especially fond of sharing the day's weather. Fern's family could not have asked for a better aunt, grandmother, great-grandmother, great-great-grandmother, and friend. She will be deeply missed and will live on in the hearts of all who loved her.

Fern was preceded in death by her husband, Joseph Sr.; her parents, Hazel and William; her brothers, Howard and Harold; her sisters, Francis and Faye; and all nine of her children: Marvin, Harvey, Joseph Jr., John, Rosalee, Francis, Shirley, Bonnie, and Connie.

Fern is survived by her brother, Robert (Bob), as well as many grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great-grandchildren.

A service will be held on March 19, 2026, at 2:00 p.m. at Brush Memorial Cemetery.

A Celebration of Life service, open to all who wish to attend, will be held on March 28, 2026, at 2:00 p.m. at Greeley First Church of the Nazarene in Greeley, Colorado, with light refreshments to follow.