Maureen A. Kratt

Maureen A. Kratt, 85, of La Crosse, died, Wednesday, March 22, 2017, at Mayo Clinic Health System surrounded by her family.

Maureen was born March 27, 1931, in La Crosse, to Philip and Lucile (Scanlon) Hutson.

Maureen graduated from Aquinas High School in the class of 1949.  She went on to attend the College of Saint Teresa in Winona, receiving a Bachelor of Science in Nursing.  After graduation, she married her high school sweetheart William Kratt at Blessed Sacrament Parish on June 12, 1954.  Following Bill’s naval assignments, they moved several times, including Kansas, California, and South Bend, Indiana before settling back in La Crosse.

Maureen took pride in serving others with her nursing skills, working many years at Mayo Clinic Health System with the many colleagues she considered her second family.  Especially rewarding was the volunteer time she spent at St. Clare Health Mission and with the St Francis Auxiliary.  One of her favorite pastimes was knitting. She loved making sweaters, hats, and mittens, and donating them for various fundraisers. Other hobbies included golfing and playing bridge with her friends.  Watching her children and grandchildren participate in sports and various activities brought her joy, as well as watching Notre Dame football and basketball.  She enjoyed her Sundays at the cottage with her family, friends, and the many dogs in her life.  Maureen was very proud of her Irish heritage, where there was never any shortage of shamrocks and other Irish knickknacks decorating the home.

Maureen is survived by her six children: LuAnne Kratt of La Crosse, Bill (Susanne) Kratt of La Crosse, Bob Kratt of Trempealeau, Tom (Lisa) Kratt of La Crosse, Joe Kratt of La Crescent, and Douglas (Kimberly) Kratt of La Crosse; 10 grandchildren: William (Sarah) Kratt of La Crosse, Danielle (Robert) Shuman of Goes, Netherlands; Roland, Jasmine, and Teagan Kratt of Trempealeau, Tommy Kratt of La Crosse, Samuel Kratt of Minneapolis, Sarah Lu Kratt of La Crosse; Madison and Zachary Kratt of La Crosse; and four great-grandchildren William Hans Kratt, Ollie Kratt, Laynie Shuman, and Rhobie Shuman.  Her sister, Gwen Shanaghan, and brothers PJ (Rita) Hutson and Steve Hutson also survive her.

She was preceded in death by her husband, William J. Kratt, and her parents Philip and Lucile Hutson.

A visitation will be held on Tuesday March 28, 2017, from 4 to 7:00 p.m., at the Blaschke & Schneider Funeral Home, 1501 West Ave. S.  There will be a prayer service at 6:45 p.m, preceded by The Nightingale Tribute at 6:00 p.m.  All her nursing friends are encouraged to attend and participate in the tribute.  A Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Wednesday March 29, 2017, at 1:00 p.m. at Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church, 130 Losey Blvd. S., in La Crosse.  The Rev. Peter Raj will officiate with interment to be in the Catholic Cemetery, La Crosse.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to Aquinas Catholic Schools, Blessed Sacrament Parish, St. Clare Health Mission, or a charity of your choice.

Maureen’s family would like to thank the medical staff at Mayo Clinic Health System – Franciscan Healthcare for their compassionate care over the years.