"Sandy & I were in grade school until I moved in 8th grade. We spent many years together & lots of fun times. Later years still remained good friends. I will miss this dear friend that could always make me laugh. Glad I stopped a year ago in town & had such a good visit. May you RIP dear friend. Prayers to Ray & family to find peace. Old Friend Doreen Machin"
In loving memory of
Sharon "Sandy" Kay Kracht
July 21, 1943 - February 1, 2020
Sharon "Sandy" Kay Kracht, 76, of Dows, Iowa, passed away Saturday, February 1, 2020, at the MercyOne North Iowa Medical Center in Mason City. She was born on July 21, 1943, in Hampton, Iowa, to Richard and Gladys (Rodemyer) Thielen.
Sandy grew up in Coulter, Iowa, then moved to Geneva and eventually settled in Dows, Iowa with her beloved husband, Ray. They were married on April 24, 1960, and will celebrate 60 years of marriage this April. To this union, Ray and Sandy had three children Susan, Cherrie, and Chad.
Sandy attended LaJames School of Beauty and cut hair for many years. She has also worked for Service Master and the Dows Care Center and volunteered her time at the Dows Mercantile.
When you walked into her home she always wanted to make sure you had a good time with enough to eat and drink. Sandy's passion for cats included taking care of the local strays as well as her own pets. Some of her hobbies included cooking, gardening, canning, and crocheting.
Sandy is survived by her husband Ray of Dows, daughter Susan Kracht of Marion, Cherrie (Kracht) Willems of Adel, son Chad (Judy) Kracht of San Antonio, Texas, grandchildren Chandal (Michael Miller) Granquist, Logan (Amanda) Willems and Hayley (Tyler) Walseth. Brother LaVerne Thielen, sister Betty Gausman, sister Shirley Swieter, sister Irene Shear and many nieces and nephews.
Sandy is preceded in death by her parents, brothers William, Richard, Duane, Gayhart, sister Margery, niece Debby Bakker, and son-in-law Dan Willems.
Sandy had numerous friends and great neighbors who would visit often, which she loved.
Memorial contributions can be made to the First Lutheran Church in Dows and the Humane Society of North Iowa.
Tributes
"So Sorry to hear of Sandy's passing, we have lots of fun memories from being neighbors on the farm and going to school together. Our prayers are with you. Ed & Betty Etnier "