Harry John Kral Jr., age 94 of New Ulm (formerly Hanska) died peacefully with his family by his side on Sunday, July 5, 2026, at the Oak Hills Senior Living Center in New Ulm.

Mass of Christian burial will be 11 am on Monday, July 13, 2026, at the Cathedral of the Holy Trinity in New Ulm. Burial will follow in the Soldier’s Rest Section of the New Ulm City Cemetery where full military honors will be provided by the New Ulm Area Comrades of Valor Honor Guard.

Visitation will be from 4-7 pm on Sunday, July 12th and continue from 10-11 am on Monday, July 13th all at the Minnesota Valley Funeral Homes-North Chapel in New Ulm.

To leave an online condolence for his family, or to sign the guestbook, go to: mvfh.org

Harry is survived by his daughters, Shiloy (Larry) Reinhart of New Ulm, Sandra (Ron) Meyer of Sleepy Eye; his son, Scott (Kris) Kral of Hanska; his grandchildren, Jaclyn Reinhart, Stephanie (Tim) Sorenson, Kimberly (Matt) Schneider, Rebecca Reinhart, Angela (Mike) Roman, Pamela (Eric) Rodewald, Natasha Meyer, Garett (Caity) Meyer, Blake (Emily) Kral, Trevor (Paige) Kral, Kevin (Rachel) Kral, Megan (Tanner) Ovre; his 32 great-grandchildren; his sister-in-law, Anna Kral of Sleepy Eye; his brother-in-law, Rodger Welke of Madelia; special family friends, Tammy, Sarah, Lauren, and Anna Furth; and many other nieces, nephews, relatives, and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Harry Sr. and Frances Kral; his wife, Lonita Kral in 2009; his sister, and brother-in-law, Lucille, and Charles Schmiesing; his brother, Leo “Dukie” Kral; his sister-in-law, and brother-in-law, Yvonne, and Bob Roberts, sister-in-law, Monica Welke; and father-in-law, and mother-in-law, Rudolph and Clara Schmiesing.

Harry John Kral Jr. was born on February 6, 1932, in New Ulm to Harry Sr. and Frances (Fischer) Kral. Raised on his family's farm in Albin Township, Harry attended country school through the eighth grade before beginning the work that would shape much of his life, farming the land he loved. Harry proudly served his country in the U.S. Army from 1952 to 1954, spending much of his service stationed in Germany. During his time in the Army, Harry was united in marriage to the love of his life, Lonita Schmiesing, on April 27, 1953, at the Cathedral of the Holy Trinity in New Ulm. Following his honorable discharge, Harry returned home, and together he and Lonita built a life and raised their family on their farm in Lake Hanska Township.

For decades, Harry worked as a dedicated crop, dairy, and beef farmer. He took great pride not only in his military service but also in the farm he built through years of hard work and determination. After stepping away from dairy farming, Harry began a second career as a truck driver, spending many years with Minnesota Valley Forest Products. Although Harry was never one to sit still, he always found time to enjoy life's simple pleasures. He and Lonita loved taking road trips together, exploring much of the country along the way. Closer to home, they could often be found enjoying old-time music and spending evenings at area dance halls and ballrooms. Harry also had a special love for the animals that shared his farm, especially his most recent faithful companions, Jackson and Bandit.

Harry was a member of the National Farmers Organization, the Hanska American Legion, and the Cathedral of the Holy Trinity in New Ulm. His faith, his service to his country, and the farm he built were all important parts of who he was, but nothing compared to the love he had for his family. He treasured every opportunity to be with them and found his greatest joy in watching his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren grow and make memories together.

Harry will be remembered as a hardworking and humble man whose quiet strength, and steadfast devotion to his family were the cornerstones of his life. His legacy lives on in the values he instilled, the land he cared for, and the generations of family who were blessed to know and love him. He will be deeply missed and forever remembered.

Mvfh.org