Katherine (Riegel) Kraus

Katherine (Riegel) Kraus, 86, of Plainville, widow to Johann Kraus, passed away peacefully at her home surrounded by her family on March 3, 2021. Katherine was born on May 17, 1934, in Sremski Karlovci, Yugoslavia, and was the daughter of Frederick “Fritz” and Julianna “Mila” Riegel. The family was forced to flee Yugoslavia leaving behind their restaurant and vineyard during World War II, moving to Germany. In 1952, the family left Germany to reside in the United States.

Katherine was employed as a waitress at Cooke’s Tavern, The Simsbury House, and Red Coach Inn. At a young age, Katherine retired to start a family and begin her final career as a full-time mother.

‘Keika’ to her parents and sister, ‘Mommy’ to her kids, ‘Grammy’ or ‘Nellie’ to her grandchildren, ‘Ma’ or ‘Katherine’ to her daughter-in-law and sons-in-law, no family gathering or holiday party was ever complete without Katherine there.  Friends, loved ones, and neighbors all recall fun times with her. Katherine could be funny, a bit cynical, and sweet all at the same time. Even if she spoke out about someone she always chuckled afterwards. She was free of malice, full of hospitality and honesty. Katherine was a woman with many loves; family, cooking, her flower gardens, cats, and exquisite jewelry. She enjoyed watching the birds on their feeders, QVC, especially ‘In the Kitchen with David’, listening and watching Elvis Presley movies and music, and traveling to Florida with family. Most of all, Katherine enjoyed hosting her weekly Monday night dinners with her family and making her specialty meals.

She is survived by her four children: Sandra Young and her husband Christopher of Palm Coast, Florida; Susan and her husband Felice DiLernia of Bristol, CT; Elizabeth D’Amico and her husband William of Plainville, CT and John and Catherine Caputo-Kraus of Plainville, CT; three grandsons Vinny Dilernia, Nicholas D’Amico, and Michael Kraus and two granddaughters Gina D’Amico and Bianca DiLernia; along with her grand-dog “Maggie”.

Katherine may be remembered with contributions to Protectors of Animals, 144 Main St., Unit O, East Hartford CT 06118 or https://poainc.org/donate/; or by an act of kindness towards a senior citizen or anyone in need.

A Mass of Christian Burial in celebration of Katherine’s life will held on Monday at 11:00 a.m. at Our Lady of Mercy Church.  She will be laid to rest privately at West Cemetery.  The staff at Plainville Funeral Home extends their gratitude to Katherine’s family for their trust.  For online expressions of sympathy, please visit www.PlainvilleFuneralHome.com

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