May 31, 2018 – West Bend, WI – Elinor (Elly) F. Kratz, (nee Stoffel),age 85 years of West Bend, passed away Wednesday, May 30, 2018.
Elly was born on June 30, 1932 in Town of West Bend to Herbert N. and Walburga E. (nee Mueller) Stoffel. She graduated from Slinger High School, class of 1950. She married Robert (Bob) A. Kratz on May 16, 1953 at St. Mathias in Nabob. Bob was the love of her life for over 68 years. They were high school sweathearts; which included being Prom and Homecoming King and Queen. Elly dedicated her life to loving and supporting her family. She always knew how to put a smile on your face and make you laugh. Elly enjoyed watching her children and grandchildren grow by being an active part of their lives.
Elly took great pride in watching the future generations continue to grow the legacy of “Kratz Farms”. In retirement, Elly and Bob spent time vacationing with family and friends. Other favorite hobbies were gardening; cooking; bird watching and caring for Sparky the family pet. She was a long time member of St. Peter Catholic Church in Slinger.
Elly is survived by her loving children Richard (Ann)Kratz, James (Barbara) Kratz, Darlene (Allen) Emmer, Gary (fiancé Kris) Kratz, Noreen (Ken) Rossi, and Mary (Jeff) Trunk. Further survived by her grandchildren: Richard (Melissa) Kratz Jr., Robert (Nicole) Kratz, Katie (Adam) LaCross, Steve (fiancé Laura) Kratz, Stephanie (Rick) Steinbach, Bridget (Justin) Schwartz, Bryan Emmer, Janine Emmer, Kevin (Mindy) Emmer, Jason (Anna) Kratz, Jennifer Milosch, Mike (Sierra) Milosch, Ryan (Andrea) Rossi, Kyle Rossi, Tony Rossi, Jordan Trunk, Karissa Trunk, great-grandchildren: Kaylee, Abigail, Abel, Connor, Bailey, Brandon, Kallen, Kashton, Mayla, Samuel, Brielle, Ryder and 1 little angel on the way, nieces, nephews, other relatives and many friends. Preceded in death by her parents, husband Bob, son Jerry, son-in-law Mike Milosch, brothers, sisters and in-laws.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be at 6:30 pm on Wednesday, June 6, 2018 at St. Peter Catholic Church (200 E. Washington St., Slinger) with Father Richard J. Stoffel presiding. Visitation will be at the CHURCH ONLY on Wednesday, June 6th from 2:30 pm until time of Mass (6:30 pm). In lieu of flowers, memorials are appreciated.
A special thank you to the Doctors and medical staff of St. Joseph’s Hospital of West Bend and Kathy’s Hospice for their special care.