Jean Kathryn Ploeger

Jean K. Ploeger, age 90, of Grand Forks, North Dakota, formerly of Alexandria, Minnesota left for her heavenly home on Thursday, February 15, 2024.

A funeral service will be held at 11 a.m., on Saturday, March 9, 2024, at Lind Family Funeral Home with Rev. Trinity Opp officiating. Interment will take place at Oak Hill Cemetery, Garfield.

Visitation is one hour prior to the service.

Jean Kathryn Larson Ploeger was born on June 7, 1933, to John and Irene (Grundstrom) Larson in Drayton, North Dakota. She graduated from Drayton High School and attended North Park University in Chicago, Illinois and Mayville University in Mayville, North Dakota. Jean began her elementary teaching in a one room school and taught in various locations, including four years at Christian Schools in Minneapolis and St. Paul. After 28 years of teaching, Jean worked as an office secretary for 7 ½ years before retiring.

Jean was united in marriage to Merritt Ploeger on July 6, 1966, and in 1970, Rebecca joined the family. They lived in Burnsville until December of 1992, at which time they relocated to Alexandria. Jean was always involved in church music, working with the Cherub Choir, singing in the senior choir and serving as a church organist for 11 years. She had the joy and privilege of playing organ and piano with her mother for many years. Jean also taught Sunday School and served on boards and committees in the churches she attended during her lifetime. She had a strong faith in her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Jean was a member of Alexandria Covenant Church. 

She enjoyed sewing and creating for her family, her home and for others, spending ten years in crafts. Jean loved cooking and baking and having guests in her home. She also enjoyed traveling, especially to Branson, Missouri, and Colorado.

She was preceded in death by her parents and husband, Merritt.

Jean is survived by her daughter, Rebecca Utech of Colorado; granddaughter, Ella Jean Utech of Loveland, Colorado; brother, Myron (Lois) Larson of East Grand Forks, Minnesota; brother-in-law, Lowell Zwiers of Brandon; many nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

Pallbearers are Michael Larson, Joel Zwiers, John Zwiers, Jered Zwiers, Thomas Zwiers, and Cody Wiese.