Gloria M. Graetz, age 81, of Marion passed away Wednesday, April 3, 2019 at St. Elizabeth Hospital, Appleton.
The former Gloria Mae Kratzke was born on December 25, 1937 in Town of Larrabee, Waupaca County, to Raymond and Olga (Schultz) Kratzke. She grew up in the Clintonville area and graduated from Clintonville High School. In her early days, Gloria worked in Appleton at the knitting mill and also as a secretary for AAL for a few years. Gloria was united in marriage on May 18, 1957 to Norman P. Graetz at St. Martin’s Lutheran Church, Clintonville. The couple dairy farmed in the Town of Larrabee for many years. Gloria was employed mostly as a secretary at FWD Corporation in Clintonville for 53 years, retiring in 2009. Her husband preceded her in death on August 10, 1992. Gloria was a longtime member of St. John Lutheran Church, Marion. She always helped out on the farm whether it was baling hay or doing tractor work out in the fields. Gloria enjoyed being outdoors; deer hunting, fishing, and growing the biggest vegetables in her garden. She liked spending time with family and friends; and played on a local pool league for many years.
Survivors include her daughter, Julie Gilles, and two granddaughters, Jess and Jenny Gilles, all of Marion. There is one brother, Dennis (Mary) Kratzke of Arizona; many other relatives and friends. Gloria is preceded in death by her parents, her husband Norman, and a sister Rosalee (John) Wagner.
Memorial Service will be held on Monday, April 15th at 11:00 a.m. at St. John Lutheran Church, Marion. Pastor Lois Graper will officiate and inurnment will follow at Trinity-St. John’s Cemetery, Town of Dupont. Visitation will be held on Monday from 9:00 a.m. until time of service at the church. Beil-Didier Funeral Home, Marion, is assisting the family.