Mary Ellen Kratz

Mary Ellen Kratz, 80, of Clear Lake, died Friday, April 11, 2008, at the Muse Norris Hospice Inpatient Unit.  Upon her wishes she was cremated, memorial services will be held at a later date.  Memorials may be directed to Hospice of North Iowa.
 
Mary Ellen Kratz was born May 20, 1927 in Anthon, Iowa the daughter of Ray and Ellen (Pierce) Worthan. She attended school in Bronson, IA and graduated from Bronson High School in 1944.  She attended Morningside College in Sioux City and earned her teaching certificate.  She was married to Marvin LeRoy Kratz on September 22, 1946 in Bronson, Iowa to this union five children were born.  She and her husband Marvin lived in Illinios, Nebraska, Minnesota and Iowa, the family lived in Mason City from 1966-68.  When Marvin retired they both moved to Elbow Lake, MN.  Mary Ellen has lived in North Iowa for the last thirteen years.  She enjoyed gardening, the outdoors and nature, was a great seamstress, was an avid bird watcher, and was a wonderful cook.  She enjoyed spending time with her family, especially her grandchildren, whom she loved reading books to.  She was a past member of the American Legion Auxiliary, Red Hat Society, and Eastern Star.
 
She is survived by her children, Kristine Miller and husband Don of Rockford, IA, Marvin Lee Kratz and wife Kathy of Manly, David Kratz and wife Kelly of Clear Lake, Ray Kratz and wife Deb of Wilson, MI, and Lynn Kratz and wife Teri of Redwood Falls, MN; eleven grandchildren, and seven great grandchildren; brother, Dean Worthan and wife Jeanette of Storm Lake, IA and sister, Margery Ahern and husband Howard of Puerto Rico.
 
She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband Marvin in 1989; infant sister, Dorothy Jean Worthan and sister-in-law, Rafa Worthan.