Obituary

BERNICE BARBARA KRATZ, 87 ROCKFORD - Bernice Barbara Kratz, 87, of Rockford, passed away June 22, 2015, in Rockford Memorial Hospital, surrounded by her family. Born June 15, 1928, in SwedishAmerican Hospital in Rockford, the daughter of Hugo and Verna (Jorgensen) Stone. Graduated from East High School and Rockford College. Bernice married Gordon Kratz on Aug. 21, 1948, in Rockford. She was a life member of Trinity Lutheran Church, active in the Mary Louise Circle, co-edited the Trinity cookbook, was Altar Guild Chairman and a Sunday School teacher. She was active in the Rockford Women's Club and volunteered at Rockford Memorial Hospital. Bernice was a member of Forest Hills Country Club in Rockford and The Classics Country Club in Naples, FL, where she loved to golf and play bridge with her husband and many friends. She loved cooking, entertaining, and especially having family and friends in her home and bringing food to others. What Bernice enjoyed most in her life was the love of her family. She is survived by her four children, Cindy (Don) Berglund of Eden Prairie, MN, Cheri (Doug) Strand of Rockford, Christy Walton of Naples, FL, and John Kratz of Rockford; six grandchildren, David (Anna) Berglund, Daniel (Anna) Berglund, Sarah (Jason) Gooch, Jennifer (Ross) Eggers, John and Megan Kratz; sisters, Joyce Avey and Kathy (Steve) Peppard; cousins, Connie (Jerry) Stigman and Kay (John) McEwing; and many nieces and nephews. Predeceased by her husband. Memorial service will be 11 a.m. Saturday, June 27, 2015, in Trinity Lutheran Church, 200 N 1st St., Rockford, IL 61107, with Rev. Jay Quinn officiating. Visitation will be from 10 to 10:45 a.m. prior to the service in the church. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Trinity Lutheran Church or Cru (Campus Crusade for Christ) Attn: Contributions, PO Box 628222, Orlando, FL 32862-8222, c/o Bernice's granddaughter, Ross and Jennifer Eggers, Acct. #0662228. For questions, please call 888-278-7233. To share a memory or condolence, visit olsonfh.com.