James W. Kruckenberg, age 76 of Lowden, passed away on Monday April 6, 2015 at his home surrounded by loved ones. Funeral services will be held on Friday April 10, 2015 at 10:30 A.M at Zion United Church of Christ with Reverend Stephen Stepp officiating. Burial will follow at the Lowden Cemetery with military rites. Visitation will be held on Thursday April 9, 2015 from 4-7 P.M at Chapman Funeral Home in Clarence. Jim was born on October 12, 1938 to Gerhardt and Eleanor (Hein) Kruckenberg on the family farm west of Lowden. On May 13, 1961 he married his lifetime soulmate, Sharon Brendes at Zion UCC in Lowden. Jim was baptized and confirmed at Trinity Lutheran Church and graduated from Lowden High School. He was a hard worker and was employed by Winfield Solutions in Clarence after retiring from Ferrelgas. He previously worked at John Deere and Caterpillar after making the difficult decision to stop farming. Jim loved the land and helped friends in the fields whenever possible. He served in the Army Reserves and had been a Legion member. Jim served the community on the church council, the 3/30 board, booster club of Clarence-Lowden and the Lowden Memorial Park Board. Jim was a gentle, loving person who enjoyed spending time with his children and grandchildren. He enjoyed watching the Packers, Hawkeyes, and Dodgers. Jim and Sharon spent many happy times together and he will be greatly missed by all. He is survived by his wife and best friend of 54 years, Sharon; son, Scott (Jody) Kruckenberg of Dallas, TX.; daughter, Mindy (John) Meyne of Urbana, IA.; grandchildren, Nate and Nic Eckhardt of Urbana; and sister, Janet (Bill) Ketelsen of Durant. Jim was preceded in death by his parents; infant daughter, Kristen; and brother, Jeff.