Bessie N. Kropp

Bessie N. Kropp 87, Rothschild, went to her Lord Tuesday, July 1, 2008 under the care of Aspirus Comfort Care and Hospice Services at Allison House, Rothschild. She was born May 18, 1921 in Goodrich, daughter of the late James and Magdalena (Kohout) Smola. On October 8, 1938 she married Lawrence Kropp at Trinity Lutheran Church, Athens. This marriage was blessed with four children and they shared sixty wonderful years together farming and raising their family. He preceded her in death on September 16, 1999. Bessie was an avid gardener and loved to cook and bake for family and friends. She enjoyed many visitors including her many nieces, nepews, neighbors and friends. Bessie's greatest joy was in raising her family and her most treasured moments were those spent with her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. She will forever be remembered for her sense of humor, her patience and the work ethic she instilled in those around her. She was dearly loved by her entire family and will be deeply missed. Survivors include her daughters, Jeannine (Jim) Roiger, Weston and Carole (Dennis) Koch, Kronenwetter; sons, Rodney (Mary Ann) Kropp, Goodrich and Lawrence (Kay) Kropp, Ringle; eleven grandchildren; twenty great grandchildren; one great great granddaughter; sisters, Josephine (Clarence) Kropp, Highland Park, Ill. and Emily Fink, Athens and many other nieces, nephews, relatives and friends. Besides her parents and husband, Lawrence, she was preceded in death by two brothers, George and Edward Smola; two sisters, Ann Ost and Barbara Kemp. The funeral service will be 10:30 a.m. Monday, July 7, 2008 at St. Andrew Lutheran Church, Goodrich. Pastor Carl Busse will officiate. Burial will be in Athens Cemetery, Athens. Friends may call Sunday from 4 - 8 p.m. at Peterson/Kraemer Funeral Home, Athens and again on Monday from 9:30 a.m. until the time of services at the church. The family would like to thank the loving staff of Allison House for their wonderful care given and also to nurse Ana of hospice for her dedicated care to our mother and support for our family during her last days. They would also like to thank Pastor Busse for all his prayers and support during this difficult time. Online condolences may be expressed at www.petersonkraemer.com A Mothers Light We love to think her like a blessed candle Burning through life's long night Quietly useful, simple, gentle, tender, Always giving light. Not ever dazzling, yet a light reflecting Sweetly in softened faces, A restful radiance like the lights that are In holy places. Candles burn clear until the very last Then pass completely In one brief flutter. O dear Lord, recall This light as sweetly! Yes, she was very like a little candle, Burning serenely bright; Though life grew late, though short the wick, still helpful, And always giving light. -Lee Skippey