Wayne J. Kroetsch, 76, of Grand Forks, ND, passed away on Sunday, December 31, 2023 in Valley Senior Living on Columbia in Grand Forks.

Wayne Joseph Kroetsch was born on April 29, 1947, the son of Linus and Dorothy (Girodat) Kroetsch in Langdon, ND. He was baptized into the Catholic faith. He attended and graduated from Langdon High School. He earned a degree from Wahpeton School of Science. Wayne enlisted in the United States Army on March 11, 1968 and served as an Armor Intelligence Specialist. He was honorably discharged from active military service on March 1, 1970 at St. Louis, MO.  Wayne worked as a mechanic for the Grand Forks Air Force Base. Upon his retirement from the Air Force Base, he was employed by the North Dakota Department of Transportation until his retirement.

Wayne married Mary (Chaput) Kroetsch on October 9th, 1971, at St. Alphonsus Catholic Church in Langdon, ND. They resided in Grand Forks, ND, where they raised their three children.  Sadly, Mary preceded Wayne in death in 2004.

Wayne loved spending time with family and friends, especially his two grandchildren. In his spare time, he enjoyed woodworking, reading, playing cards, and tinkering with various projects around the house. He will be remembered for his willingness to lend a helping hand to anyone in need.

Wayne is survived by his wife, Lou Wagner; his children, Kim (Matt) Davidson, Daniel Kroetsch, Amber (Joseph) Reese, all of Shakopee, MN; a granddaughter, Hayley Reese, and grandson, Evan Davidson, both of Shakopee, MN. Brothers Carl (Vicki) Kroetsch, Gary (Sandy) Kroetsch, Kenny (Bonnie) Kroetsch, Laverne (Kavae) Kroetsch; sisters Donna (Phil) Green, Jan Rode, Anna (Larry) Fischer; sister-in-law Betty Kroetsch. He also leaves behind many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his wife Mary; parents Linus & Dorothy a brother Merle and a nephew Jason.

Mass of Christian Burial: 10:00 a.m. Saturday, January 6, 2024 in Holy Family Catholic Church, Grand Forks, ND.
Visitation: On hour prior to the liturgy in the church on Saturday.
Burial: In the spring, at Calvary North Cemetery, Grand Forks, ND.
Military Honors: Accorded by members of the American Legion Post 157, the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 3817 and the North Dakota Army National Guard.