Marilyn Janice Kratz

Marilyn Janice Kratz, age 84, of Springfield, Minnesota, passed away with family by her side on November 4, 2023, at St. John Lutheran Home in Springfield, Minnesota. A funeral service will be held at the St. Paul Lutheran Church in Springfield on Wednesday, November 8, 2023, at 11:00 am. Visitation will be beforehand from 9:00 am to 11:00 am at the church. The clergy will be Chaplain Noel Wetter and Pastor Carl Billings. Interment will be at the St. Paul Lutheran Cemetery in Springfield. Arrangements are with the Sturm Funeral Home in Springfield. Online condolences may be left for the family at www.sturmfh.com.

Marilyn Janice (Wendt) Kratz, the daughter of Harold E. and Viola (Rogotzke) Wendt, was born on January 24, 1939, in Springfield, Minnesota. She was baptized and confirmed at St. Paul Lutheran Church in Springfield. She graduated class of 1957 from Springfield High School. Following graduation, Marilyn attended Floral Design School in Denver, Colorado where she became a Master Floral Designer. She worked as a floral designer for Bachman’s and then Sleepy Eye Green House. She also designed many flower arrangements in her home for others and including her grandchildren’s proms and weddings.

Marilyn married Robert Kratz on June 6, 1959, and they were blessed with three children. Marilyn was passionate raising her sheep, spending time in her flower gardens and many other farm life responsibilities. Marilyn loved her family beyond measure and cherished the tea parties she had with her granddaughters and great-granddaughters. She also loved attending her grandchildren and great grandchildren’s sporting events. She was known for cooking Swedish rice that her family loved. She loved to go on numerous vacations with her husband.

Marilyn was an active member of St. Paul Lutheran Church and readily shared her time by assisting with decorating the church, Vacation Bible School, and painting the sheep/lambs for the individual nativity keepsakes. She was a charter member of the Springfield Garden Hobby Club. Marilyn enjoyed oil painting, playing cards, and ice skating. She enjoyed spreading her joy of Christmas with her family, friends and community for 20 years by being Mrs. Claus and having a drive thru Christmas display.

Marilyn is survived by her beloved husband of 64 years, Robert Kratz of Springfield; children, Kari (Brad) Haugo of Springfield, Kurt (Janice) Kratz of Springfield, and Keith (Terry) Kratz of Bloomington; grandchildren, Tiffany (Dustin) Trapp, Amanda (Brent) Neubarth, Nickolas (Brooke) Kratz, Sara (David) Haugo, and Justin Haugo; great-grandchildren, Brayden and Ali Trapp, Deacon, Kinley, and Madilyn Neubarth, and Maverick Kratz; her brother, Harold “Bud” A. Wendt; and other loving relatives and friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents and many aunts and uncles.

“Thank you for celebrating life with mom”. – Family of Marilyn