George H. Krienke

George liked to live larger than life and was always looking forward to the next social event. He had no intention of ever passing away but much to his and his family’s chagrin, he did just that on May 6, 2026. There will never be another George Krienke and his family and friends miss him already.

Born in a house in Wausau, WI on August 13, 1931 to Mildred and John Krienke, George was the youngest of 4 mischievous boys. His mother died when he was 4 ½ years old which started his humble beginnings, independence streak and great youth stories. He attended UW Stevens Point for two years where he played football and met the first love of his life, Joan Neale. They were married while George was stationed in San Diego with the Navy serving as a medic for the Marine Corps. He also was stationed in Japan for two years. After military service, George and Joan moved to the Twin Cities where he attended the U of M Veterinary School and graduated as a Dr. of Vet Med in 1961. He spent the first year after graduation working on the Brucellosis project for the MN Vet School. George started the Rice Pet Clinic and Hospital in 1962 when he purchased 5 acres of land on the corner of Rice Street and County Rd C in Little Canada. By 1975 he built and moved into his new clinic. The building was christened with a formal cocktail party in the lobby. In 1991, George’s nephew, Tim Krienke, bought the practice and a new era began.

To say George served his community both civically and socially is an understatement. In addition he loved a good party! Listed below are just some of the ways he served:

- 1963 President of ad committee in Roseville to develop parks and playgrounds

-1965 Roseville Central Park Board for 46 years

-1965 Roseville Jaycees President

-1962 Vice Commander VFW

-1977 President of U of M Veterinary Council (Foundation)

-1980 with his Veterinary friends, he started the Animal Emergency Clinic and served as its President for 3 years

-1992 Helped start the MN Retired Veterinary Assoc (now Association of Senior Veterinarians) and served as President for 6 years

-1988 Served 4 years as member of MN Veterinary Medical Foundation

-1994 VP of Roseville Rotary and 1995-1996 President of Roseville Rotary. In 1973 he joined Roseville Rotary with an introduction from his good friend Don Zibell

-2006-2008 President North Suburban Community Foundation

-2009-2012 Trustee of Centennial United Methodist Church and Foundation member from 2012-2016

-1992-2019 Developed and ran Roseville Rotary Health Fair

-Lifetime member of MN Veterinary Medical Association, AVMA, VFW and American Legion

George was known for his generosity and contributions to the University of MN Veterinary School, the Veterinary Museum and started the Drs. Krienke fund for One Health to name just a few. He received the MVMA Presidents Award in 2018.

His first wife Joan passed away in May, 1991 and a year later he met the second love of his life, Ramona Mogg. They married in 2004, reminding us it is never too late to fall in love. They travelled together and built their home in Roseville. Although George had no children of his own, he considered his two nephews, Tim Krienke and Bob Neale as his sons, along with their wives, Kelly and Michelle and their children Emily, Patrick, Ellie, Abigail and Alexander along with 4 great great nieces and nephews. After marriage to Ramona he inherited 3 adult children, Lisa (and Dan Douglass), Tracy and Melanie, 5 grandchildren, Clinton, Morgan, Joe, Charlie and Becca as well as 12 great grandchildren.

He was proceeded in death by his first wife Joan; daughter in law, Melanie Mogg; his three older brothers as well as many friends.

George loved getting the whole family together at his first home on Lake Owasso and together, we are one big messy happy family. Besides his family, he was known as ‘Uncle George’ to countless Roseville children and their parents as he hosted many nieces and nephews birthday parties at his iconic lake home.

George’s version of the finer things in life involved hosting his friends and family on his famous multi-flag bearing pontoon aka ‘the Krinkerbelle’, with a brandy and cherry Pepsi with cherry juice and exactly 5 ice cubes in a burger King Styrofoam cup (so “Monie can’t tell what I’m drinking!”). He could fix anything with duct tape and WD 40 and never missed a party-- often being the last one there.

While George was 94 years, 94 more would not be enough for the living he had left to do. He will be greatly missed by his community and family. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to Rotary International or the University of MN Veterinary School Scholarship Fund. There are so many great stories to share about George, and we hope to hear yours at his Celebration of Life.

Details regarding a Celebration of Life for George to follow.