Elva M. Hargraves

Elva M. Hargraves 86, of Racine, formerly of Athens, died Thursday, March 22, 2007 at Becker Shoop Center, Racine. She was born February 10, 1021 in Milan, daughter of the late Emil and Lydia (Jurgrmeyer) Venzke. On June 6, 1942, she married Klenka Hargraves at Bethlehem Lutheran Church, Milan. He preceded her in death on November 3, 1976. Elva was a member of the Bethlehem Lutheran Church for many years until moving to Racine in 1973. She attended Andrew Lutheran Church in Racine where she was a member of the Bible Study Group, Sunshine Club and Ladies Aid. Among her many interests, she enjoyed crocheting, reading and gardening. Survivors include eight children, Christianna (Roger) Heldt, Racine, Barbara (Jack) Ortman, Athens, Veronica (Ronald) Wolf, Racine, Richard Hargraves, Racine, Sherrie (Richard) Dissmore, Racine, Caryl (Fiance Greg Micetich) Witt, Rolling Meadows, Ill., Thomas Hargraves, Racine and Glen (Cindy) Hargraves, Racine; 12 grandchildren; two step grandchildren; nine great grandchildren; and five siblings, Ruby Denzin, Abbotsford, Edward (Evelyn) Venzke, Hubertus, Wis., Lois Tabolski, Waukesha, George (Eve) Venzke, Wild Rose and Stella (Donald) Schauer, Abbotsford. Besides her parents and husband, Klenka, she was preceded in death by one granddaughter, Vickie Ortman; 3 brothers, Robert, James and Benno Venzke; two sisters, Pearl Tisendorf and Milton Tisendorf; one sister-in-law, Betty Venzke; and one brother-in-law, Ray Denzin. Funeral services will be 11:00 a.m. Monday, March 26, 2007 at Bethlehem Lutheran Church, Milan. Rev. Matthew Christian will officiate. Burial will be in the church cemetery. Friends may call Monday from 10:00 a.m. until time of services at the church. Peterson/Kraemer Funeral Home, Athens is in charge of arrangements. Online condolences at www.petersonkraemer.com