George Kriha Obituary George Robert Kriha, age 83, of Brainerd, died peacefully surrounded by family on December 2, 2024. George was born on December 29, 1940, to his parents Louie and Johanna Kriha in the city of Heidelberg, Minnesota. He grew up on the farm in Heidelberg and during the rest of his life he loved to share stories about the beauty of the homestead and the people of his youth. After graduating high school, he attended Mankato State University, where he excelled in school, track, and football. 1962 was a big year for George. He left Mankato State University to attend the University of Minnesota. While there, he married Carol Bratsch and enlisted in the military during the Vietnam era. He served his country in the Army Elite Special Forces, MAAG Division, as an interpreter of the Vietnamese language. Upon returning home he finished his schooling by earning both an undergraduate and masters degree in civil engineering from the University of Minnesota. During this time, he and Carol started their family together. George and his family eventually moved to Brainerd in 1968, where George became the Assistant City Engineer. He and Carol raised their three daughters in Brainerd. He was promoted to City Engineer in 1972 and served in this capacity through 1980. While in this role he was instrumental in developing the Mississippi bridge project near Boon Park and in preserving the Historic water tower on Washington street in Brainerd. He then became a part owner in the civil engineering firm Widseth Smith Nolting & Associates (WSN). He stayed active in WSN until his retirement in 1993. In 1986, George married Bonnie Batten, and they built a new home and life on the Mississippi River in Baxter, MN, where his friends and family were always welcomed by one of Bonnies delicious meals. Sometime after retirement, George and Bonnie purchased a winter home in Pawleys Island, South Carolina, where once again family and friends were always welcomed and many memories made. Those who knew George will always remember him for his quick wit, high intelligence, devoted friendship, and somewhat of a quick-tempered golfer. He was a true patriot to his Country. George is survived by his wife of 38 years, Bonnie; three children: Denise (Steve) Goedker, Kelly (PJ) Smith, and Peggy (Jordan) Miller; ten grandchildren: Sam Goedker, Josh Goedker, Louie Goedker, John Goedker, Samantha Dale, Madison Kelly, Johanna Rudbeck, Chloe Smith, Annie Dye, Nicholas Dye; eight great-grandchildren; many nieces and nephews. His parents, siblings, and stillborn daughter, Michelle, have preceded him in death. On Monday, December 9, 2024, services will be held at the Camp Ripley Military Chapel at 12pm. The visitation will begin at 11am. Interment with Military Honors to immediately follow. All are welcome. Please note: the service is NOT at the cemetery - it is at the Chapel inside of the main gate at Camp Ripley!