Vera "Gale" Kreykes

Vera “Gale” Kreykes, age 104, of St. Peter, died on February 1, 2024, at her home surrounded by her family.

Gale was born on December 3, 1919, in Great Falls, Montana, to Earl and Martha (Lehman) Page, and moved at a young age to North Mankato, MN. She was a member of the Belgrade Avenue United Methodist Church in North Mankato. Gale attended Mankato Public Schools. She continued her education by attending Mankato Teacher’s College, receiving degrees in Math and Music. Early in her career, Gale taught Music (Choir Director) and Math in public schools. Music education was very important to her. Gale played many musical instruments and her talents were endless. She insisted that all of her children also played musical instruments. On January 2, 1943, in New London, Connecticut, Gale married Keith Kreykes. At the time of his death, on February 28, 2014, they had been married 71years. Together they were involved in numerous organizations. Gale was the Secretary for the Minnesota State Jersey Cattle Club, Secretary for the Nicollet County Fair Board for decades, and she and Keith enjoyed square dancing for many years. Gale was employed by the State of Minnesota as a Research Analyst for many years. Not ready to retire, Gale transferred to the dining/kitchen area of the Regional Treatment Center. At age 89, Gale left State services, but her employment would not stop there. Work was important to Gale, so she then volunteered with Meals on Wheels for many many years. Gale finally retired at 101 years of age. 

 A historical event that occurred in her life was the Bicentennial Wagon Train in 1976. Her husband served as Regional Wagon Master for the Northwest Train and Gale rode a horse every day on the trip from Minnesota to Valley Forge. They were reliving our forefathers' experience. 

 If you asked Gale what was her secret to longevity was, her response would be, “Never Stop Moving!” 

Gale is survived by her 5 children, Koroll “Korky” Schaefer, St Peter, Larry (Donna) Kreykes, Kasota, Karen (Gary Hall) Hibbard, Payson, Az, Fred “Scott” (Mary) Kreykes, St Peter and Gean “Skip” Kreykes; 12 grandchildren and 33 great grandchildren.

Gale was preceded in death by her husband, parents, and brother, Roy “Bud” Page. 

Memorial Service will be 11:00 a.m., February 10, 2024, at the St Peter Funeral Home with lunch to follow at the Johnson Building at the Nicollet County Fairgrounds. Private family interment will be in Woodland Hills Memorial Park, Mankato. Memorial gifts are preferred to the Nicollet County Fair Board or Lutheran Social Services for Meals on Wheels.