Kracht, Lowell H.

Lowell Henry Kracht, age 85, of rural Wautoma, formerly of Lohrville, died peacefully Monday afternoon, November 22, 2010, following a lengthy illness. Lowell was born June 16, 1925, in Milwaukee, the son of William Henry and Ella (Friedrich) Kracht. He had lived and farmed in various communities between Milwaukee and Lohrville. He served his country in the U.S. Army during World War II from March of 1945 until he received a Medical Discharge in December of that year. Lowell settled in Lohrville in 1948 and began hauling milk for Kraft Foods of Omro. He met the love of his life, Antonette “Toni” Tessaro, while hauling milk from the Tessaro farm, near Redgranite. Toni and Lowell married June 6, 1953 at Grace Lutheran Church in Berlin. Lowell had lived in Lohrville until 4 1/2 years ago, when he and Toni moved to the Town of Marion, rural Wautoma with their son and daughter-in-law, Gary and Mary Kracht. He had also been employed at the Universal Foundry of Oshkosh and at the Wisconsin Veterans’ Home at King until he retired in 1988. Lowell was a faithful member of Trinity Lutheran Church in Borth, where he had served as President of the Congregation, and had also served on all the Boards at the Church. He was a member of the Lohrville Village Board of Trustees for over 50 years. Lowell was also a member of the Am-Vets and the Disabled American Veterans. Family was everything to him, and everyone was family. Lowell enjoyed playing cards, visiting with friends and neighbors, and deer hunting. Survivors include his wife of 57 years, Toni; a son, Gary (Mary) Kracht of rural Wautoma; his grandchildren, Annie, Melissa, and Stephanie Kracht, Toni Mielke, Dana Sitar, and Megan Resop, and 2 great-grandchildren, Evan and Makenna; his son-in-law, Herbert Mielke of Wautoma; brothers-in-law, Ken (the Late Josephine) Barnowske of rural Berlin, and Paul Tessaro of rural Redgranite, and a sister-in-law, Lucy (the Late John) Schendel of Milwaukee. Lowell is also survived by nieces, nephews, other relatives, and dear friends, and his canine companion, Tess. Lowell was preceded in death by his daughter, Sue Ann Mielke, who died in October of 2003, his parents, and 2 brothers, Gene and Wayne Kracht. Memorial Services for Lowell H. Kracht were held Saturday, November 27, 2010 at 11:00 A.M. at Immanuel Lutheran Church, N2506 State Highway 49 in Auroraville. The Rev. Brian Beardsley will officiate. Lowell was laid to rest with Full Military Honors in the Marion Cemetery, Town of Marion. Friends called at the Church on Saturday morning ONLY, from 10:00A.M. to 11:00 A.M. prior to the time of the Memorial Services. Memorials will be appreciated. The Ruminski Funeral Home of Redgranite is assisting the family with arrangements.