Luise Kratz
August 1919 - December 2013
Our beautiful mother passed away peacefully early on December 27th in the comfort of her family and special caring companions. We are thankful that she was able to live a very rich and fulfilled life.
With her husband, Horst (†November 1979), they emigrated from Germany to Smithers 1951. Our parents were entrepreneurial by establishing Central Clothing in 1960 and thereafter selling Parkette Auto Court in 1961 which they had operated for the previous five years. Their home and the Bavarian theme exterior of the Central Clothing building helped initiate the Alpine theme in downtown Smithers.
Luise retired in 1980 to a life filled with grandchildren and pursued her hobbies and joys. She loved singing with the Pretenders, fishing, gardening, and her Paul Bunyan home. She is most remembered for the Lunch Club where she served hot, delicious soups to all who appeared. She was a beautiful knitter and crochetier. Her artistic handicrafts were meticulous and surround us with fond memories of her talents.
She is much loved by friends and family, especially her caregivers Joy Groves (†Doug, December 2012), granddaughter Makayla and their daughter Trisha Knol and family. These wonderful people gave her many years of loving care and became an integral part of Mum’s life.
She is survived by her two daughters, Jeannette (Phil) Malkow and Irene (Stephen) Howard; her grandchildren, Steve (Laurie), Blake, Barrett; Carly (Nick), (†Niko, June 2012) Rosger, Dave (Courtney), Madison Malkow and Peggy and Stephanie Howard as well as several relatives in Germany and Switzerland.
A Celebration of Life will be held in August 2014. Tributes to Luise are welcomed by BV Health Care and Hospital Foundation, PO Box 551, Smithers.
“The beauty of life well-lived never dies....it continues to embrace and inspire.”