Karen R. Kratzer

Karen R. Kratzer, 70, of Elkhart, passed away Tuesday July 10, 2018 at Hospice House of Elkhart.

She was born Dec. 8, 1947 in Elkhart to Kenneth and Alice (Wyland) Burke. On April 9, 1966 in Elkhart she married David H. Kratzer who survives along with a daughter Julie (Steve) Bachman of Elkhart and a son Michael (Carol) Kratzer of Elkhart and 4 grandchildren, Wesley and Alyssa Bachman and Isabella and Sam Kratzer. She was preceded in death by her parents.

Karen graduated from Elkhart High School in 1965 and attended I.U.S.B. Karen began her working career as a telephone operator for G.T.E. in the 1960’s. She then worked at First National Bank and St. Joseph Valley Bank in Elkhart. She finished her career as a paraprofessional for 25 years for Elkhart Community Schools at Riverview, Monger, Osolo, Mary Feeser and Pinewood Elementary schools.

She enjoyed spending time with her grandchildren and knitting and crocheting.

Private family viewing and services have taken place with burial at Prairie Street Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be given to the National Fibromyalgia Association or the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Disease.

Stemm-Lawson-Peterson Funeral Home is entrusted with arrangements. Online condolences may be sent to www.stemmlawsonpeterson.com.