Selma Ann Kratzke

North Mankato Mortuary - Northview
507-388-2288

Selma Ann Kratzke, age 91 of North Mankato, died Thursday, November 3, 2011, at Oaklawn Health Care Center in Mankato after a long battle with Alzheimer's disease.

Funeral Service will be held 11:00 a.m. Friday, November 11, 2011 at St. Paul's Evangelical Lutheran Church, North Mankato. Visitation will be held from 4-7 p.m. Thursday at NORTHVIEW - North Mankato Mortuary, 2060 Commerce Drive, North Mankato and will continue one hour prior to service at the church. Burial will be at Woodland Hills Memorial Park. Memorials preferred to St. Paul's Evangelical Lutheran Church or to donor's choice.

Selma Ann Engel was born April 11, 1920 to Herman and Christine (Bode) Engel in Nicollet, MN. She was baptized and confirmed at Trinity Lutheran Church in Nicollet. She graduated from high school in Nicollet in 1939. Selma married Ray Kratzke on December 17, 1944 at Trinity Lutheran Church in Nicollet. She worked part time at JCPenney, North Mankato Junior High School and Monroe Elementary School. Selma was a member of St. Paul's Evangelical Lutheran Church in North Mankato since 1949. She was involved in Ladies Aid, Alter Guild and the church quilt group. Selma was active in the 300 block of Harrison neighborhood group and monthly birthday club. Selma also volunteered at Treasure Haus and New 2 You for many years. Selma loved to sew, quilt, cross stitch, work on puzzles, follow the Twins games, watching and keeping scrap books on her grandchildren's sporting activities, fishing, playing cards, and canning and baking. But mostly Selma loved being with her family.

Selma is survived by her children, Joyce (Steve) Oachs of Mankato, Gary (Laurel) Kratzke of North Mankato, Marilyn (Chuck) Christiansen of St. Peter; son-in-law, Gary (Vivian) Hanel of North Mankato; grandchildren, Kevin (Jen) Oachs, Craig (April) Oachs, Greg (Jennifer) Oachs, Joe (Jill) Kratzke, Jillian Kratzke, Justin Kratzke, Seth (Nichole) Hanel, Matt (Julie) Hanel, Elizabeth (Ken) Hutchins, Molly (George) Reyes, Ty Hanel, Chad Christiansen, Alex Christiansen; 19 great-grandchildren; brother, Roland "Butch" Engel; and many nieces and nephews.

Selma was preceded in death by her parents; husband Ray Kratzke, 11 days prior on October 23, 2011; daughter, Carol Hanel; daughter-in-law, Julie Graif Kratzke; grandson, Philip Hanel; brother, Waldemer Engel; sisters, Edna Bode, Olga Fogg, and Elfrieda Engel.