Judith A. Kraenzlein

Judith A. Kraenzlein, age 77 went home to be with her Lord and Savior May 1, 2020.  Daughter of the late Otto and Emily (Leinberger) Rau. Judy was the oldest of eight children and was born October 11, 1942 in Bay City. She and her future husband Richard were grade school classmates at the 1 room schoolhouse of St. John Lutheran School in Amelith.  She attended high school at Michigan Lutheran Seminary in Saginaw where she graduated with the class of 1960.  Judy then attended Concordia Teachers College and returned home to teach school at St. Peter Lutheran School in Hemlock.  She would go back years later to earn her degree from Saginaw Valley State University.

Judy married Richard N. Kraenzlein on November 3, 1962 at St. John Lutheran Church-Amelith.  She was a member of St. John Lutheran Church and for many years to the Lutheran Women’s Missionary League, a member of the Senior Choir and handbell choir at church, Ladies Aid, and Quilting Group where she participated in the design and making of the Casket Pall used at the church.  Judy loved the Lord and her family and joyfully lived out her faith.  She enjoyed teaching, gardening, flowers, camping, the outdoors, and being with her family. She loved to tell little children about Jesus with her sister in Christ, Beth Engerer.

Surviving are her husband, Richard (Dick) Kraenzlein; her children, Rene Darr, Amy (Rev. Dean) Davenport, Scott (Amy) Kraenzlein and Joel (Michelle) Kraenzlein; grandchildren, Dawson and his wife KC, Chandler, Jacob, John, Paul, Carson, Parker, Lucas, and Emily; 1 great-grandchild, Graham; her siblings, Jean (Bob) Wegener, Linda (Rick) Schroeder, Annette (Tom) Klumpp, Mary (Mickey) Gray, and Joy (Scott) Mollenhauer; brothers and sisters-in-law, Diane Rau, Sally Scharich, and Howard (Judy) Kraenzlein. 

Judy was preceded in death by an infant son, John Henry Kraenzlein, and 2 siblings, Dennis Rau and Gail Rau.

A private graveside service and interment will take place Tuesday at St. John Lutheran Church-Amelith Cemetery with Pastor Stephen P. Starke officiating.

A Celebration of Praise for family and friends will take place later at St. John Lutheran Church-Amelith.  The date and time will be announced.  Those planning an expression of sympathy may wish to consider memorials to St. John Lutheran Church and School Memorial Fund or the Parkinson’s Disease Research Fund.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Judith A. Kraenzlein, please visit our floral store.