Gertrude Lode Kratzer

Gertrude Lode Kratzer, 93, Red Wing, Minnesota died Monday, October 4, 2010, at Loving Residence in Red Wing. She was born April 24, 1917, in Harlowton, Montana, the daughter of Harry and Ida (Luppens) Lode. She grew up in Harlowton, graduated from Harlowton High School and worked as a bookkeeper at Harlowton Bank. She married B. Murrel "Smokey" Kratzer on June 6, 1942, in Harlowton. The couple moved to Salt Lake City, UT where Smokey was stationed during World War II. After the war they moved to Huron, SD where they lived until 1951, moving to Gregory, SD, Mesa, AZ, and returning to Huron before relocating to Red Wing in 1974. She was employed part-time at Sherwin-Williams in Red Wing. Smokey died April 14, 1989. Gertrude enjoyed playing bridge, golfing, reading, sewing, gardening, square dancing, baking, traveling and loved spending time with her friends. Her family was of great importance to her and she devoted most of her time to her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. She was a member of First United Methodist Church and was active in Ruth Circle and the mission ministry.

Survivors include her children: Jane (Fred) Baker of Red Wing, Minnesota, Nancy (Gerald) Hackett of Harlowton, Montana, Randy (Margo) Kratzer of Rosemount, Minnesota, and Susan (George, III) Morgan of Frontenac, Minnesota; fifteen grandchildren; six great-grandchildren; one brother Bud Lode of Harlowton, Montana; many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, two sisters and two brothers.

Funeral services will be 11 a. m. Wednesday, October 13, 2010 at First United Methodist Church in Red Wing with Reverend Greg Strunk officiating. Burial will be in Oakwood Cemetery. Visitation will be 4 - 6 p. m. Tuesday, October 12, 2010 at the Mahn Family Funeral Home, Bodelson-Mahn Chapel and on Wednesday for one hour prior to the service at the church. Memorials are preferred to the First United Methodist Church Mission Fund.
For more information please visit http://journeyoflife-gk.blogspot.com