Carola A. Kragness

HOUSTON, MINN. - Carola A. Kragness, 90, of Houston, died Thursday, December 18, 2003, at the Valley View Nursing Home in Houston. She was born on May 10, 1913, in Badger Valley of Houston County, Minnesota to Nels and Emma (Sanden) Nelson. She was raised in Badger Valley where she attended the Badger Valley Country School. Carola Graduated from Houston High School in 1932. On December 26, 1936, she married Gilmer C. Kragness at the Stone Church in rural Houston where she was also baptized and confirmed. Carola and Gilmer farmed in the Sheldon area for many years where they raised turkeys. Carola and Gilmer attended many turkey conventions across the country. They moved to Houston in 1987. Gilmer died in 1988. Carola was a member of the Cross of Christ Lutheran Church in Houston, and was a leader for the Sheldon Spartan 4-H Club. Carola was a very accomplished singer. She sang in many competitions and sang for several weddings and funerals as well. Her hobbies included reading, cross word puzzles, and keeping up on current events. Carola is survived by three daughters: Kathryn Kragness of Blooomington, Faye (Jim ) Kerrigan of Redmond, Wash., and Mary (Stan) Brommer of Chisago City, MN.; five grandchildren and three great-grandsons; one brother, Norbert (Mary Lou) Nelson of Austin, Minn.; Audrey Berg of Bloomington, Minn.; and one brother in law, Merven Overgsten of Spring Grove, Minn. She was preceded in death by her husband, and two sisters, Florence and Jewell. The funeral service will be at 11:00 am on Tuesday, December 23, 2003, at the Cross of Christ Lutheran Church in Houston with the Rev. Lane Zaffke officiating. Friends may call from 4:00 to 7:00 pm on Monday at Hoff Funeral Homes - Houston Chapel and one hour prior to the service on Tuesday at the church. Burial will be in the Stone Church Cemetery in Houston. The family prefers memorials to be directed to the Stone Church Improvement Fund.