Helen Mary Kratz

August 01, 1919 - January 13, 2019

Helen Mary Kratz

August 01, 1919 - January 13, 2019

Obituary

Helen was born on August 1, 1919 in Hibbing, Minnesota to Michael and Marcelia Wistoski. They moved to Whatcom County when Helen was a baby

Helen graduated from Mt. Baker High School. Then attended business school and was a stenographer at Puget Sound Power and Light Company for 37 years. She met Alfred Kratz at work and they married in 1944. They were married for 33 years and had two children, Marlene and Ron.

After Alfred’s death she was married to Ben Hudson from 1988 until his death in 1999.

Helen was a kind and generous lady. She loved music, dancing, playing bridge, golfing, traveling and being with her family.

She is survived by her son, Ron (Lee) Kratz, and their children Morgan (Michelle) and Emily (Jeremy) Howe, and her daughter Marlene (Doug) Graves, and their children Heather (Jim) Young, Teri (Jack) Warner and Brendon (Lacey) Graves.

She had 9 great-grandchildren.

A memorial service in Helen’s honor will be on January, 25, 2019 at 2:00 pm at Moles Farewell Tributes-Bellingham, 2465 Lakeway Dr.

Please share your memories of Helen at wordpress-271002-1416095.cloudwaysapps.com.

Memorial Service

  • Date & Time: January 25, 2019 (12:00 AM)
  • Venue: Moles Farewell Tributes - Bellingham
  • Location: 2465 Lakeway Drive Bellingham, WA 98229 - (Get Directions)
  • Phone Number: (360) -73-3-0510

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4 responses to Helen Mary Kratz

  1. Linda Sheeks says:

    To Helen’s Family:
    I have lived next door to Helen for a little over one and a half years. I recall meeting her for the first time as she sat outside on a warm spring day in her driveway and I was working in my yard. I introduced myself and from then on, we had a wonderful relationship. She warmed my heart from the very beginning. In the short time she was in my life, I will carry special memories in my heart forever. She was always so happy to see me when I would come through the front door most often bringing her food or sweet treats. She loved them all! We would talk, sometimes for hours, and I loved hearing her stories. I always asked her how her family was doing and that always brought a smile to her face. It was so evident to me how much she loved you all. Memories that I will particularly never forget are that every time we visited, we talked about food – likes and dislikes. She certainly let me know what she didn’t care for so I avoided bringing her those things. We would laugh about how we always talked about food. Her childhood memories of school and working in the fields. Her time living on Lake Whatcom. We never ran out of conversation. She didn’t like it when I would let her know that I was going to be away for a period of time. She would ask if there was something she could do for me at my home while away. I would joke with her that “Yes, she could clean my house.” She would laugh. She was happy to see me when I returned and wanted to know everything I’d been doing while away. She worried about who her new neighbors would be on the other side of her home and when I finally introduced the couple to her, she was happy. I joked with her that she was probably nervous when my home was for sale and who the “new” neighbor would be, and her response was “Yes, I probably was.” No I won’t worry, as she did, about who will move into her home, but I know for certain that no one will take her place. In such a short period, she made a huge impact on my life, and I miss her so much. Your Mother, Grandmother, and Great Grandmother was a special lady.

  2. Hello to Marlene, Ron & family,So sorry to miss your mothers memorial service as it’s been so very long since I’ve seen either of you. I first knew your mother when working with your father at NBofC.
    Then my parents, Darrel & Bertha Hinote, often saw Helen at dances here and there in Whatcom County. I would run into Helen at Fred Meyers and always enjoyed her smiles and our mini-visits. A very dear lady and classy one too. We’ve all been blessed with a pretty special generation of parents. I enjoy the memories and know you do as well. Thinking of you, Carol Ann

  3. PEGGY Cook says:

    HELEN WAS A GRAND LADY. AND HAD A WONDERFUL LIFE. WE LIVED NEXT DOOR ON THE LAKE FOR 24 YEARS. MY KIDS ADOPTED HER RIGHT AWAY AS PART OF OUR FAMILY. SHE FOLLOWED US OVER TO THE CONDOS ON NORTHWIND. WE WILL MISS HER VERY MUCH. OUR LOVE AND THOUGHTS TO THE WHOLE FAMILY.

  4. A tribute to Helen.After a flower blooms with regal splendor,it fades and a new cycle of life begins.Dark and stormy clouds are replaced with a rainbow and sunshine.The seasons like life and death are a mystery we cannot fully comprehend but, it is the essence of our physical and spiritual existence.
    The earthly journey of Helen has ceased and new life begins.She has left us with many rich memories.She has been a caring,supportive and inspiring friend. Her modesty,generosity,calm nature and lively sense of humor made her quite special. Her love of music as a musician herself ( played the violin) bridge games and other artistic activities adds to her distinguished repertoire of life.
    Along with her life long friend Mr. Don Richendrfer, my wife and I, richly recall the memorable picnics, dinners at her residence and at some restaurants, trips and little shopping escapades.While enjoying our company, she would proudly speak and share experiences about her loving family, son, daughter and grand children. She was ‘ classy ‘ in her relationships,interactions and we must add, in her attire.
    Helen will be missed as we bid her an eternal farewell for now. We also wish her dear family sincere condolences and embrace them with love and blessings at this special time.
    Like spring when there is rebirth of once regal flowers, our steadfast hope and faith is in our spiritual rebirth and everlasting love with Helen.

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