Norma R. Kratz

Norma Ruth (Taylor) Kratz, 99, of Naperville, Illinois, passed away on Saturday, October 19, 2024. Norma, known fondly by close friends and family as “Pee Wee”, was born June 7, 1925, in McLeansboro, Illinois, the daughter of John Taylor and Flora Meadows Taylor Hungate, who both preceded her in death. Norma was the baby sister to five other siblings, all of whom preceded her in death: brothers George Taylor, Howard Taylor, and Charles Taylor; and sisters Hildred Hart, Monette Braden.

She grew up in McLeansboro and graduated high school, subsequently moving to Evansville, Indiana, where she resided until 2016, when she moved to Naperville to be close to her daughter Deborah. Following her graduation from McLeansboro Township High School in 1942, Norma moved to Evansville to attend Lockyear Business College. She lived at the YWCA while attending school, and later found employment at the Evansville Press Newspaper and at the LST shipyard. In 1944, she met W. Robert (Bob) Kratz of Evansville through mutual friends, and they later married in August of 1946, remaining in Evansville. Their union produced a daughter, Deborah Freeman, and a son, Charles Kratz.

Bob and Norma were married for sixty fun-filled years, residing in Evansville the entire time. Norma had close relationships with all of her extended family, including her own siblings’ families and her mother in southern Illinois whom she always enjoyed visiting; and Bob’s siblings and their families and her in-laws. There were lots of picnics and fish fries in the Kratz’s back yard, as well as badminton and card games.

Norma was a 50+ year member of the Daughters of the Nile; active member of St. Johns UCC in Evansville; a Girl Scout leader; a Cub Scout leader; a bridge player; a bowler; avid Aces fan and attendee; thoroughbred horse racing fan since she rode horses, and two of her brothers owned and trained race horses. But perhaps most passionately, Norma was an extremely accomplished golfer. Norma and Bob were members of the Evansville Country Club for over 50 years, during which time, Norma won many a tournament, for which her name is still on the walls. She also had two holes-in-one during her golf career. She and Bob traveled to several PGA golf tournaments and played in several golf tournaments during some trips. In fact, during Bob’s business trip to Hawaii, she decided to play in a tournament offered, but had not brought her clubs. She rented clubs so she could play, and then won the tournament! Norma was a strong advocate for her children and encouraged their activities and attended many games and recitals. In her later years, before moving to Naperville, Norma enjoyed weekly card games with her nieces in Evansville.

Even after she moved to Naperville, Norma enjoyed a good joke and retained her incredible wit, with lots of one-liners. In her 90s, she enjoyed her annual birthday parties at the Olive Garden. She continued to win a disproportionate share of games of Sorry and Pass the Pigs. She was cherished by her nieces and nephews, grandchildren and great-grandchildren, as well as anyone who came in contact with her. We will all miss her greatly and think of her dearly.

Norma is survived by her daughter Debby Freeman (husband Randy); her son Chuck Kratz (Lora Davidson); grandchildren Nathaniel Kratz (husband Luis Gonzalez), Michael Freeman (wife Jennifer), Nora Kratz (partner Lily Ryzhkova), and Lindsay Freeman; great-grandchildren Lillian Freeman, Benjamin Freeman, Joshua Freeman, and Eamonn Ryzhkov.

Friends and family may visit on Saturday, October 26, 2024 from 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 Noon at Alexander East Chapel, 2115 Lincoln Avenue, Evansville IN, 47711.

A funeral service will begin at 12:00 Noon on Saturday at the funeral home, officiated by Pastor J.D. Rose. Entombment will follow at Locust Hill Cemetery in Evansville.

In lieu of flowers, any contributions may be sent to Shriners Hospitals for Children, c/o Hadi Shrine Temple, P.O. Box 1, Evansville, IN 47701.

Condolences may be made at www.AlexanderEastChapel.com