Educators lose their dream home: Krebs House Fire

Dear friends, neighbors, and kind-hearted individuals,

We created this page with heavy hearts and a deep sense of urgency as we share the heartbreaking story of the Krebs family. With your help, we aim to provide support to Josh and Kayla Krebs, along with their four children—twins Atticus and Gwen, Trixi, and Violet—in the wake of a devastating house fire. This GoFundMe campaign has been created by their family, friends, and co-workers, and we are reaching out to the wider community in the hopes of restoring some stability to their lives.

The Krebs Family:

Josh and Kayla Krebs, who both grew up in tight-knit communities, have dedicated nearly 20 years to the field of education. Prior to moving to Stillwater, Josh spent his childhood in Minot, ND, while Kayla grew up in Onalaska, WI. They spent 10 years working in the Centennial School District, with Josh serving as an administrator and Kayla as a special education teacher. In 2022, they made the decision to bring their expertise and passion to Stillwater, where Josh assumed the position of Principal at Stillwater Middle School, and Kayla accepted a Special Education teaching position at Lake Elmo Elementary. They have quickly become valued members of our community, striving to make a positive impact on the education system. Atticus and Gwen, their twins, are in 6th grade at Stillwater Middle School, while Trixi is in 3rd grade and Violet is about to enter Kindergarten at Stonebridge Elementary. Their family has recently grown with the adoption of a bernedoodle puppy named Zeke.

The Devastation:

Tragedy struck the Krebs family on Tuesday, June 20th, while they were away. Their dream home, currently under construction on land they purchased in Stillwater Township, was engulfed in a fierce and destructive fire. Despite the valiant efforts of firefighters, nothing remained of their newly built home—it was utterly consumed by the flames. The devastating loss has left the Krebs family without a place to call home.

The Urgent Need:

Thankfully, the Krebs family was not present during the fire, and everyone is safe and accounted for. However, the aftermath has left them scrambling to secure housing before they must vacate their current residence by the end of July. The unforeseen costs associated with finding alternative accommodations, replacing essential items, and navigating the uncertain insurance coverage have added an immense burden to their lives.

Our Goal:

We have come together to raise funds for the Krebs family to alleviate the financial strain caused by this catastrophic event. Your generous contributions will help ensure that the children have what they need during this challenging time and allow Josh and Kayla to focus on planning for their family's uncertain future. The funds raised will be used for the following purposes:

1. Temporary Housing: Supporting the Krebs family in finding a safe and stable place to live while they rebuild their lives.

2. Essential Needs: Replacing the belongings and essential items that were lost in the fire, providing comfort and stability for the entire family.

3. Insurance and Legal Costs: Assisting with potential legal fees and navigating the insurance claim process to ensure the family receives the coverage they are entitled to.

4. Emotional Support: Recognizing the emotional toll this traumatic event has taken on the Krebs family, we aim to provide access to counseling services and support their mental well-being throughout the recovery process.

Conclusion:

The Krebs family has made an indelible mark on the Stillwater community, demonstrating their commitment to education and their desire to call this city home for years to come. In addition to their professional contributions, Josh has volunteered to coach the youth wrestling program here in Stillwater, drawing on his experience as a member of Big Ten and NCAA championship teams while a member of the U of MN Gopher Wrestling program. We now have the opportunity to come together as a community and extend our support during their time of need. Your contribution, no matter the size, will make a significant impact in helping the Krebs family rebuild their lives and restore hope for a brighter future.

Let us rally around the Krebs family and show them the strength and compassion of our community. Together, we can make a difference. Please donate today and share this campaign widely to help us reach our goal.