Caroline Frances Kraut Obituary (1922 - 2013)

Caroline Frances (Meyer) Kraut, 91, of Pecatonica passed away January 4 in her daughter's home in Winnebago, surrounded by her loving family. She was born January 22, 1921 in Chicago, Illinois, the daughter of Richard and Matilda (Reininger) Meyer. She graduated as class salutatorian from Pecatonica High School in 1939. She was voted Pecatonica Fair Association “Miss America” in 1940. She married Rudy Kraut on July 3, 1948 in St. Mary's Church in Pecatonica. Caroline worked as Executive Secretary and Bookkeeper for Lee (Pecatonica) Canning Company for 10 years. She retired to become a devoted mother and dedicated homemaker while continuing to support her father and husband’s construction business as a bookkeeper. Caroline was a member of St. Mary's Catholic Church of Pecatonica. She was an avid bridge player and belonged to a local bridge club for many years. She enjoyed many summer vacations at the lakes in Wisconsin and traveling the USA - from Florida to Texas to California and all interesting places in between. Caroline is survived by Rudy, her loving husband of almost 65 years, daughter Julie (Terry) Carius of Houston and Winnebago, son Mark (Becky) of Metamora, Il., grandson Andrew Kraut of San Mateo, CA, granddaughter Ann Kraut of Santa Barbara, CA, sister-in-law Blanche Kraut of Pecatonica, sister-in-law, Cecelia (Patrick) D'Orlando of Albuquerque, and many nieces and nephews. Predeceasing her in death were her parents and sisters, Lois Keehnen and Janice Slowik. The family would like to thank the staffs of Provena St. Anne's and Rockford OSF Hospice for their skilled services, care and support. Prayers will be said at 10:00 am Wednesday January 9, 2013 at McCorkle Funeral Home 203 W 5th St. Pecatonica, IL then a Funeral Mass will be at 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, at St. Mary Catholic Church 126 W 5th St Pecatonica, with Monsignor Robert Sweeney and Father David Beauvais con-celebrating. Burial will be in St Mary Catholic Cemetery in Pecatonica. A visitation will be held at the funeral home from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. Tuesday, January 8, with a scripture service at 8 p.m. In lieu of flowers, a memorial has been established in her name to support several local charities.