Verna Kratzke

Verna M. Kratzke, age 92, life-long Vergas, MN, area resident passed away Friday, October 26, 2018, at Perham Living.

Verna was born February 4, 1926 at home in Candor Township, born to William and Maline (Soland) Lachowitzer. She was baptized and confirmed at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church – Loon Lake.  Verna grew up in rural Vergas where she attended country school District 98 before graduating from Frazee High School.

On September 4, 1943 Verna was united in marriage to Clarence Kratzke at the military base in Leesville, Louisiana. To this union two sons were born: Jerry and Dave.

The couple bought a small dairy farm in Hobart Township near Rose Lake as she cared for the home and raised the children. The family made their home in Pelican Rapids from 1954 until 1966.  The couple then purchased Verna’s family farm where the couple has continued to reside.

Verna was known to “grandmother” people and enjoyed hunting, fishing, baking bread and talking with family and friends on the phone. Many fond memories were made fishing with Clarence.  The family enjoyed fishing the area lakes both summer and winter. Duck hunting was also a family affair.

She is survived by 2 sons: Jerry (Nellie) and Dave (Robin) all of Vergas; 4 grandchildren: Cully of Shakopee, MN, Trevor of St. Cloud, MN, Shana of St. Paul, MN and Barry (Connie) of Silver Lake, MN; 2 great grandchildren: Katrina and Danetta of Felton, MN; sister: Marvel Beaman of Vergas; along with numerous nieces and nephews.

Preceding Verna in death her husband, Clarence in 2015; parents, William and Maline.

Funeral services will be 11:00AM, Tuesday, October 30, 2018, at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church Loon Lake, Vergas, MN. Interment will be at the Loon Lake Cemetery.

Visitation will be held from 5-7:00PM, Monday, October 29, with a prayer service at 7:00PM at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church Loon Lake and visitation will continue at the church 1-hour prior to the service on Tuesday.