Obituary of Orville Carl Kraehnke

Orville Carl Kraehnke was born in Monroe, Michigan on August 9, 1924.  He was the son of Herman Kraehnke and Lucy (Schmelz) Kraehnke.  He attended Lincoln School.

Orville was married to Catherine June Revard on June 2, 1945, at Trinity Lutheran Church by the Reverend Fehner.  The couple was blessed with three boys.  Orville was a hard worker and truly a jack-of-all-trades.  For more than thirty-three years, he provided for the needs of his family as a Laborer at Woodall in Monroe, an automotive supplier.  He was a member of the United Auto Workers.  Not one to sit around, Orville, being very mechanically inclined, spent countless hours wrenching on automobiles and small engines on the side in his garage.  During the 1950-1960’s, when Woodall had a summer shutdown, the Kraehnke family spent their time in Wisconsin.  Orville spent this time wisely, working for his cousin as a plumber.  Following his retirement from Woodall in 1980, he spent seven additional years employed at Trinity Lutheran Church as a custodian.

Orville and Catherine were very active in their church, Trinity Lutheran, for many years.  They assisted on funeral luncheons, helped with Christmas decorations for more than twenty-five years, served as greeters, and assisted with stuffing the church bulletin.  The couple enjoyed dancing; polka, line dancing, and square dancing being their favorites.  They often tended to their beautiful garden.

Orville Carl Kraehnke, age 99, of Monroe passed away at 7:40am on Wednesday, October 4, 2023, at Fountainview of Monroe where he had resided since May.  His passing was preceded by his parents; his beloved wife: Catherine in 2019; two sons: Lloyd in 1979 and David in 1957; and seven siblings: Esther Hoffman, Ruth Moyer, Melvin, Kenneth, Viola, Earl, and Harley Kraehnke.

To cherish his memory, he leaves a son: Roger (Ruth) Kraehnke of Monroe; six grandchildren:  Yvonne (John) Welte whom he raised, Rhonda Young,  Jeff (Jayme) Kraehnke, Jennifer (Donald) Jones, Nicole (Dean) Jewell, and Danielle (Justin) Gibson; a sister: Donna Kneebush of Milan; three sisters-in-law:  Marian Butcher, Alice Cox, and Jane Geierman; many great and great–great grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Friends may gather from 2:00pm until 8:00pm on Monday, October 9, 2023, at Merkle Funeral Service, North Monroe; 2442 North Monroe Street, Monroe, Michigan 48162 (734) 384-5185.  He will lie in state from 10:00am until 11:00am on Tuesday, October 10, 2023, at Trinity Lutheran Church; 323 Scott Street, Monroe, Michigan 48161.  A Funeral Service Celebrating His Life will take place at 11:00am with Reverend Dr. Pastor Daniel Potts officiating.  A procession will follow to Roselawn Memorial Park in LaSalle for burial.

Memorial contributions for those who desire are suggested to Trinity Lutheran Church.  Online guests may leave words of inspiration and comfort or share a photo by visiting www.merklefs.com.