- Date Of Birth: Oct 29, 1939
- Date Of Death: November 19, 2014
- State: Michigan
Kathryn Eileen Cracauer, age 75, on the morning of Nov 19, 2014 the angels came to carry Kathryn home to be reunited with those who have gone before her. She was born on Oct 29, 1939 to Bessie and George Thomas in Rosebud, MO the 11th child born into a family of 12 children.
She was lovingly nicknamed “Kitty”. In 1956, her father relocated to Springville/LaPorte, IN where she graduated from LaPorte High School in 1957. While working at her father’s restaurant, she met a young man named Al J. Sokolowski, who captured her heart. After dating for several years they then married on March 2, 1963. On July 7, 1964 she gave birth to their daughter, Tina Louise Sokolowski who was the light of their lives. She was a proud wife, mom, homemaker, sister, auntie and friend who loved to cook, sew and bake for those who visited her home. She prepared many meals and proudly shared her talents. During her lifetime, Kathryn worked at a variety of jobs from Chicago to Texas, most recently she retired from the US Postal Service in LaPorte, IN.
After the loss of her daughter and first husband, she knew God had something planned to bring back joy in her life. She met Stephen Cracauer in South Bend, IN and they became inseparable and on Dec 30, 1997 in Las Vegas, NV they were married. They spent a good deal of time traveling and enjoyed playing slots in casinos. She and Steve were dedicated to helping Veterans, particularly through the American Legion, Post 101 of Pharr. Kathryn was the Auxiliary President when Steve was the Post Commander from 2000-01.
Most recently she dedicated her life to caring for Steve and her beloved cat, Barney.Preceding her in death were her first husband, Al, her daughter, Tina, her parents and eight siblings. She is survived by her husband, Steve, siblings, Prentice Fern McKenzie of IN, Viola (Thomas) Stam of IN & Gloria (Thomas) Nilges of MO, step children, Lyn, Lysa, Stephen, Lori & Leann, 13 step grandchildren, 3 step great grandchildren, many nieces & nephews & her sister in law, Ellen Sokolowski.Anyone who ever knew her, knew they could count on her when times were tough.
