Jimmy Joe Crnkovic, 53, of Austin, Minnesota, passed away Wednesday, Oct. 17, 2018, at his home.

He was born Dec. 9, 1964, to Joseph and Judy (McKee) Crnkovic in Austin. Jimmy graduated with the Class of 1983 from Austin High School.  He entered the United States Army on July 13, 1983. During his tour of duty, he was stationed in Germany, Honduras, and South Korea. Following his honorable discharge on March 14, 1989, he returned to Minnesota. Jimmy resided in Mankato, Minnesota, and attended Mankato State University. He later moved to St. Peter, Minnesota, before returning to Austin in 2010. Jimmy had been working as a baker at Super Fresh Bakery in Austin. He had been a devout member of Bethlehem Free Methodist Church in Austin, where he was active with the worship team and prayer group.  Jimmy enjoyed poetry, drawing, fishing, and listening to Christian rock. On his road to recovery, he received great strength from his participation in AA.

He is survived by his children, Kyle Crnkovic of Mankato and Kari Morrison of Dakota City, Iowa; mother, Judy of Austin; brothers, Jon Crnkovic of Austin and J.T. Crnkovic of Madison, Wisconsin; nieces and nephews; cousins; and other relatives and friends. He was preceded in death by his father, Joseph, on Dec. 4, 2009; sister-in-law, Connie Crnkovic, on Sept. 24, 2011; and by his paternal and maternal grandparents.

Memorial services will be held at 1 p.m. on Monday, Oct. 22, 2018, at Bethlehem Free Methodist Church in Austin with Pastor Paul Steele officiating. Interment with military honors by VFW Post 1216 and American Legion Post 91 will follow at Grandview Cemetery. Jimmy’s family will greet friends on Monday prior to services from noon to 1 p.m. at the church. Worlein Funeral Home of Austin is assisting the Crnkovic Family with arrangements. Condolences may be expressed to the family online at www.worlein.com.