Earnestine Rogers Kratzer

Earnestine R. Kratzer, 75, of Lake Charles died peacefully at 8:45 AM on Friday, April 22, 2011 with her loving at her side.

Mrs. Kratzer was a longtime resident of Lake Charles. When Earnestine walked in a room it immediately lit up with her smile and she dominated it with her energetic personality. One of her favorite pass times was gardening. Her green thumb was seen in the pride she took in her yard and garden. She walked at the Prien Lake Mall each day rain or shine. She was a member of the American Legion females of forty and eight for many years.

She was married to the love of her life, Wesley Kratzer for 57 years on October 18, 1953. While being active members of Twelfth Night Revelers they brought joy, happiness and merriment wherever they went throughout the year promoting Southwest Louisiana and our wonderful Mardi Gras.

Wesley and Earnestine have enjoyed traveling to various campgrounds over the years. One of their favorite places was Lake Bruin where a wonderful group of friends would come together throughout the year.

She is survived by her loving husband of 57 years Wesley J. Kratzer of Lake Charles, two sons William R. Kratzer and wife Rhonda of Orange, TX, and Ricky Joseph Kratzer of Lake Charles, one daughter Sheryl Ann O'Dell and husband Dan of Lake Charles, one brother William Rogers of Palmetto, LA, one sister Charlene Bergeron of Lavonia, LA, 8 grandchildren Marissa Wahl and husband Trey of Youngsville, LA Michael Joseph Guidry and wife Melanie of Lake Charles, Shanna Punch and husband Ryan of Erath, William Ray Kratzer, Jr. and wife Lori of Orange, TX, Gary Wayne Kratzer and wife Julie of Midlothian, VA, Andrew James Kratzer of Orange, TX Cody Joseph Kratzer of Prairieville, LA, Kelsey Lynn Kratzer of New Orleans, 10 great grandchildren Hunter, Taylor, Grace, Conner, Dallas, Will, Caleb, Carly, Emma and Brooklyn.

Mrs. Kratzer is preceded in death by two sons Timothy and Kenneth Kratzer and her parents Lula and William Rogers.

Her funeral will be held on Tuesday, April 26, 2011 at 10:00 AM from St. Margaret Catholic Church. Father Emanuel Tanu will be the celebrant. Burial will be in Prien Memorial Park Cemetery under the direction of Johnson Funeral Home. Visitation will begin on Monday at 4:00 PM until 9:00 PM with a rosary to be held at 7:00 PM. Visitation will continue on Tuesday at 8:00 AM until 9:30 AM in the funeral home.

The family would like to thank Heart of Hospice for all of the care they received especially from Sonya Littlejohn, Diana McNabb, Keitha Green and Robert Spikes who took such great care of Mrs. Kratzer.