Jeanette Kratz
Jeanette Mae Kratz, 87, of Staples passed away Sunday morning April 14, 2024.
Jeanette was born December 12, 1936 to Morvan and Olive Bergeson in Wadena. She was the youngest of four children having the misfortune of losing her father to appendicitis before turning one and later losing her mother at age seven to tuberculosis. Several years after the passing of her mother, Jeanette lost a brother, Donald, serving his country in WWII. The remaining siblings, Wallace and Beverly, along with special friends/family helped care for young Jeanette. In 1954, Jeanette met Edward C. Kratz (Sonny) at the Cardinal Café in Staples which his mother (Gracie) owned and operated. On July 22, 1955, Sonny and Jeanette were united in marriage in Hudson, WI. The couple resided in Minneapolis during their early years where Sonny worked as a commercial artist and Jeanette worked for a local Architecture firm, Setter Leach and Lindstrom. In February of 1969; Jeanette and Sonny had their first child which stimulated a move away from the Cities to Henning. Residing on East Battle Lake, the couple had their second child in September of 1971.
The town of Staples became their final destination in 1976, ultimately residing on the property in which Sonny’s father, Ed and mother lived/farmed until their death. Sonny continued his trade as an artist working for Walthall and Associates while Jeanette took a job working at the Staples DMV to help support the family from 1984 through her retirement in 1996. Jeanette was an avid church goer and member of the Christian Woman’s Club - finding joy in helping others in addition to raising a family. She enjoyed reading and was known as an exceptional cook. Ironically, she utilized the ingredients within herself to perfect a recipe of kindness, generosity, patience and perseverance which she served to all she knew. She was truly one of a kind, whose simple existence and smile warmed the many hearts who had the privilege of being a part of her life. Jeanette found her greatest satisfaction in selflessness and gratitude and through those qualities she accomplished being the best mother, grandmother and aunt humanly possible.
Thanks, Mom, for taking care of the many birds and flowers of your life (and the pesty squirrels as well).
Jeanette is survived by one son, BJ Kratz (Julie Skunberg) of Jamestown, ND; one daughter, Justene Kennedy of Farmington; three grandsons, Nolan Kratz of Williston, ND, Kohl Kratz of Jamestown, ND and Brendon Kennedy of Farmington; one granddaughter, Claire Kennedy, Farmington; three nephews Mark Blessing, Robert (Kathy) Blessing and Mike (Rosie) Blessing, all of Staples; three nieces, Pam Blessing, St. Paul, Patti Scioli (Mike), North Charleston, SC and Barb Markus, Motley and many cousins.
Jeanette was preceded in death by her husband of 59 years, Sonny; parents; two brothers Donald (Alice) and Wallace (Margaret) Bergeson and one sister, Beverly (Pete) Blessing.
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