Loretta P. Kracht (Luebke) age 83 of Newton, Wisconsin passed away Sunday, September 4, 2016 at Aurora St. Luke's Medical Center in Milwaukee. Loretta was born on November 26, 1932 in Newton, WI to Linda (Schreiber) and Lester Luebke. She was united in marriage to Alvin Kracht on May 15, 1954 in Schwartzwald. She was a long time member of St. James United Church of Christ in Newton, she participated in the Ladies Aid, was a co-general leader of Meeme Busy Badgers 4-H Club, served on the Manitowoc County 4-H Board of Directors, a 55 year member of Edwards HCE, held her beautician license and worked for several shops early on, was an active participant at Al-Lor Acres Dairy Farm. She also enjoyed traveling with her family around the country and overseas, quilting, sewing, collecting thimbles, gardening, flower gardening, and watching and feeding the birds. She will be remembered dearly for her giving, kind nature and her welcoming spirit. She will be deeply missed. Loretta is survived by her beloved husband of 62 years, Alvin Kracht; loving children, Susan Kracht of Newton, Cynthia (Joe) Klapperich of Kiel, and Sandra (Allen Jones) Kracht of Wisconsin Dells; cherished grandchildren, Jamey (Amanda) Binversie of Kiel, Cole Binversie of Newton, and Sadie (Zac) Koenig of Valders; and 2 cherished great-grandchildren, Johnathon and Wyatt Koenig; 2 cherished step-grandchildren, Holly Francis, Heather Reif, and their children; dear siblings, Lila Vogt of Manitowoc, Harold (Ann) of Valders, Roy and Wayne Luebke of Manitowoc; 2 dear brothers-in-law, Lester (Betty) of Greenbush and Raymond Kracht of Plymouth; and 5 dear sisters-in-law, Florence (Norbert) Mallmann of Chilton, Nancy Kracht of Lomira, Myra of Manitowoc, Naomi of Howards Grove, and Julianne Luebke of Cleveland. She is further survived by many loved nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. She was preceded in death by her parents; parents-in-law; 3 brothers, Henry, Alfred, and David Luebke; 4 sisters-in-law, Florence, Beverly, Patricia Kracht, and Evelyn Sass; and 7 brothers-in-law, Leroy, Palmer, Wallace, Orville, and Henry Kracht, Eldor Sass, and Arland Vogt. Funeral Services for Loretta will be held on Friday, September 9, 2016 at 11:00 a.m. at St. James UCC (13312 Pioneer Road Newton, WI 53063) with Pastor Bill Kesting officiating. Family will greet relatives and friends on Thursday, September 8, 2016 at the church from 4:00-7:00p.m. Additional visitation will be held prior to service on Friday from 9-11:00a.m. Interment in St. James UCC Cemetery.

Manitowoc Herald Times Reporter Sep 7 2016