Thea Kraakaas

Thea Rosella Kraakaas was born on April 14, 1909, at her home in Tyro Township, Yellow Medicine County, the daughter of August and Anna Marie Anundson. She was baptized at Clarkfield Lutheran Church and at the age of six, she started first grade at Tyro Township Country School. At age 10, she moved with her family to Stony Run Township and attended District #22 country school through the eighth grade.Thea became a member of Stony Run Lutheran Church and was confirmed there. She was united in marriage to Elvin Kraakaas on March 5, 1929 at the home of Pastor O. J. Erickson. They had four daughters- Marcella, Gloria, Wanda and Helen. A son died in infancy. Thea lived on the Kraakaas farm all of her married life. She was an active member of Stony Run Lutheran Church and Granite Falls Lutheran Church. Her favorite pastimes were quilting, baking, cooking and gardening. She especially enjoyed getting together with family and friends. She and Elvin enjoyed dancing, fishing, playing cards and going to ball games. On December 19, 2012, Thea entered the Clarkfield Care Center. She passed away there on Monday afternoon, October 28, 2013, at the age of 104 years, 6 months and 7 days.Surviving family include her daughters- Marcella Slettedahl of Roseville, Gloria Erickson of Montevideo, Wanda Kraakaas of Weston, FL and Helen (& Bruce) Christopherson of Clarkfield; seven grandchildren; eleven great grandchildren and four great great grandchildren, nieces, nephews and extended family. She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband Elvin; an infant son; four brothers- Art, Edgar, Carl and Orton; three sisters- Myrtle Hemmingson, Ruth Sundquist and Adeline Just; sons-in law Harvey Slettedahl and Ronald Erickson and an infant granddaughter.