Charlene M. Kratzke, age 86 passed away 1/19/24 at St. Clare Hospital, Baraboo.  She was born on 4/30/1937 in Wausau, WI, the daughter of the late Fred and Eda (Splittstoesser) Pichelmeyer.  Char grew up on a farm outside of Birnamwood and graduated from Birnamwood High School in 1955.  She attended U.W. Stout and earned a degree in Home Economics.  Her first job was County Home Agent for Eau Claire County, a job which she loved dearly.

On June 25th, 1960 she married Jim Kratzke and they celebrated 63 years together. After marriage they moved to Sheboygan, WI.  While living in Sheboygan she taught Home Economics and Cake Decorating at the Sheboygan School of Vocational, Technical and Adult Education.  In 1967 Jim and Char moved to Sauk-Prairie and she became involved with the Hospital Auxiliary, where she was a past president and chaired and assisted with many events.  She served as Chairperson for the Sauk County Health Resource Committee and was an advocate for promoting the hospital at a time when many rural hospitals were closing.  With her background as a County Home Agent, she saw a need for an intown 4-H club and formed the Sauk Prairie Earthings 4-H Club, and was recently recognized for 50 years of service to 4-H.  Char was a long-time member of Merrimac United Methodist Church, where she served on the church council and chaired and helped with many church fundraisers and events.

Char was an avid gardener and was known for the flowers she grew.  She loved to cook and host parties.  She will always be remembered for the wonderful barn parties she and Jim threw at the family farm up-north.  She had many artistic talents and over the years helped Jim decorate many model homes for Wick Homes where Jim was employed.  Over the years, Char made numerous wedding cakes and floral arrangements for family and friends.  She also enjoyed traveling and spending time at their homes on Lake Wisconsin and Fort Myers Beach.

For 13 years Char was a devoted caregiver to her parents as she tirelessly attended to their complex medical needs.  She was dedicated to family and supported Jim and Christine in all of their passions and activities.

She is survived by her husband, Jim Kratzke; daughter Christine (John Madden); and special cousin Susan (Scott) Solverson.

She was preceded in death by her parents; and special cousin Elaine Henriksen.

A celebration of life will be held at Prairie Landing at Culver Community Park on Friday, July 26th at 2:00 p.m.

Jim, Christine and John would like to express their deepest gratitude to Shelby Mulcahy who has truly been an angel sent to us.  We will always be thankful for the kindness, care and friendship you gave to Char and our family over these past years.