Edward Peter Kray

Edward Peter Kray, 45, of Ankeny, went to be with his Lord surrounded by his family on Friday, March 21, 2014 at Mercy Hospice in Johnston of brain cancer. Funeral services will be Monday, March 24, 2014 at 1:30 PM at Prairie Ridge Church, 825 NW 36th St, Ankeny. A visitation will be held on Sunday, March 23, 2014 from 6 – 8 PM at Ankeny Funeral Home, 1510 W 1st St.

Ed was born on February 12, 1969 in Minneapolis; the son of Donald and Joyce Edson Kray. He graduated from St. Bernard’s High School in St. Paul and University of Minnesota in Environmental Sciences. Ed married Jana Hoksbergen on July 31, 1993 and they later divorced. To this union, he was blessed with two daughters, Kaitlyn and Carleigh, whom he adored. Ed worked for the city of Ames as an Engineering Technician for the past twelve years. He grew fond of the residents of Ames who brought him treats while he was working.

Ed enjoyed the outdoors and especially fishing. He was a huge Minnesota Gophers fan and a converted Iowa State Cyclone fan. Ed loved sports and especially loved working with his daughters, tirelessly pitching balls to them so they could perfect their hitting skills. With a booming laugh, Ed was a rough and tough Teddy Bear with a heart of gold. He was an excellent cook who enjoyed grilling and was a member of Prairie Ridge Church in Ankeny. Many friends will greatly miss “Big Ed.”

Ed is survived by his daughters, Kaitlyn Kray and Carleigh Kray, both of Ankeny; his parents, Don and Joyce Kray of St. Paul; his former wife, Jana Kray, and her parents, Ralph and Lois Hoksbergen, all of Ankeny; brothers, Glenn (Gina) Kray of St. Paul, David (Cathy) Kray of Roseville, MN and Thomas Kray of St. Paul; a sister, Lori (David) Stafford of Forest Lake, MN; a brother-in-law, Randy (Kallie) Hoksbergen of Ankeny; a sister-in-law, Laura (Brad) Hickman of Phoenix; 18 nieces and nephews; a great-niece; uncles, Daniel (JoAnn) Edson of Grand Marais, MN and David (Shari) Edson of Maplewood, MN; aunts, Joan (Jerome) Pieper of Norwood, MN, Gale Nelson of Woodbury, MN, Linda (Dallas) Schute of New Brighton, MN; and many cousins. He was preceded in death by his grandparents, Edward and Margaret Kray and George and Marie Edson; and his aunt and uncle, Rita and Robert Waste.

As a show of sympathy, memorial contributions should be directed to the family to be used for Ed’s daughter’s education. On-line condolences may be expressed at www.AnkenyFuneralHome.com.