Dames J. Kroska

Dames J. Kroska

December 11, 1935 – November 30, 2025

White Bear Lake/Wyoming

At the age of 89, Dames J. Kroska passed away peacefully on Sunday, November 30, 2025, and was accepted into the arms of our lord and savior.

Dames was born on December 11, 1935, to Stephen and Viola Kroska. He attended St. Casimer’s Catholic School and graduated from Johnson High School in 1954. On August 31, 1957, he married the love of his life Frances. On September 22, 1958, Dames was drafted in the U.S. Army and was stationed in Alabama where he and Fran began their new life together. On January 30, 1960, they welcomed their first child, Linda. The three of them later moved back to Minnesota and on April 30, 1961, Richard was born. After spending time as a family of four Dames and Fran welcomed their daughter Angela into the world January 9, 1966. In 1968 Dames and Fran bought a house in White Bear Lake where they lived most of their life making memories as a family.

He was incredibly hard working. He went to school and worked at 916 Vocational Technical School where he got his Chief Boiler Engineering License. He later worked at Century College, which he retired from in 1998.

Dames enjoyed fishing, camping, and traveling. Some of his favorite places include Alaska - taking in the breath-taking views and sending home halibut, Hawaii - going to luau’s listening to the music and watching the shows, Texas – escaping the cold Minnesota winters in his motor home to enjoy the warmth Texas has to offer, and Mexico – to shop and watch the street artists. Dames liked to play dice and card games with family and friends.

A devoted husband, Father, Grandpa, Great-Grandpa, Brother, Uncle, and friend Dames lived his life with honesty, humility, faith, and love. He enjoyed spending time with his family every chance he could get. Dames was very sweet, kind, and polite. Always thanking everyone for their help. He found joy in watching his grandkids play sports and watching band concerts. He loved to watch and cheer on the Twins, Vikings, Wild, and Gophers. He also enjoyed the great outdoors, fishing with the Schrom’s, and telling jokes to make people laugh. His smile could light up a room.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Stephen and Viola Krosta; brother, Richard Kroska; sister, Lorraine Vanderveer; beloved wife of 62 years Frances Kroska; brother-in-law, Lou Cocchiarella; sister-in-law, Nancy Cocchiarella; and great-grandchild, Elijah David Kroska. He will be deeply missed by his children, Linda (Tom) Holeman, Richard (Sherry) Kroska, Angela (George) Seiler; grandchildren, Shannon, Sheila (Joe), Allise (Mike), Luke (Shaunna), Alexandra (Annie), Sarah (Sam); great-grandchildren, Sophia, Sawyer, Skylar, Brea, Lyla, Spencer, Lilly, Aaron, Savannah, Madalyn, Chandler, Quinn, many other wonderful family members and lifelong friends.

Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11:00 a.m., Wednesday, December 17, 2025, at St. Mary’s of the Lake - 4741 Bald Eagle Ave, St. Paul, MN 55110. The family will greet guests one hour prior to mass at the church. Interment at Fort Snelling National Cemetery.