JACOB - Mildred A. Kranawetter, 89, of Jacob, departed this life at 12:25 am, Monday, March 17, 2014 at the Three Springs Lodge in Chester. Mildred was born in Starlanding, Missouri to Claus and Sarah Seibel Wichern at their farm home high on the Hill overlooking the Mississippi River. It was a very cold morning on December 5, 1924. She was the youngest of 6 children. Sisters were Loretta Holschen and Agnes Sims, brothers, Otto, Oscar, and Leonard Wichern, half sister, Elda Schirmer, all have gone before her. Mildred attended early years of school on the Ridge, 2 miles from her home, walking most of the time. She belonged to 4-H. The last 2 years she went to school at Immanuel in Altenburg, staying with an aunt and uncle through the week and going home on weekends, until she was confirmed April 10, 1938. Her confirmation song was, "Jesus Lead Thou On". Her Bible verse was "Be Thou faithful unto death and I will give you the Crown of Life". Mildred married Roland Kranawetter on December 27, 1941. They were married by Rev. Meyer, at his home in Altenburg, Missouri. Their close friends, Roy and Ruby Rodewald stood up for them. They had pictures taken in Perryville, MO and then on to Jacob, IL to the farm where Roland's family had a surprise dinner and gathering for family and friends. They lived on the farm from the time of their marriage until the present. Mildred joined Christ Lutheran Church in 1941. She joined the Ladies Aid in the mid 40's and was a dedicated member. She loved to embroidery, crochet and sew, but quilting was her favorite. She was a homemaker and worked on the farm, driving tractor etc. for years. She always had a garden and did a lot of canning. She had beautiful flowers everywhere, her yard and flowers were very special to her. Mildred loved playing cards and dancing. She attended all of the school activities and watched ballgames from her children, her grandchildren, and her great grandchildren throughout the years. Her favorite times were when our families all got together. She would have her own prayer written ahead of time for all her family. Through the years, she enjoyed good times and gatherings with her special friend, Evelyn Vogel and her family. Mildred was preceded in death by her husband of 66 years, Roland Kranawetter, who passed away on April 1, 2008, her parents, sisters and brothers, two grandsons, Daniel Grace and Matt Farris. Left to mourn her passing are six children and their spouses, Ruth Ann and Gerald Thies of Percy, Earl and Linda Kranawetter of Campbell Hill, Dale and Betty Kranawetter of Jacob, Lloyd and Renee Kranawetter of Jacob, Wanda and Dennis Korando of Jacob, and Rita and Brian VanPelt of Gorham; 22 grandchildren, Brian (Allisen) Thies, Carla Thies, Kevin (Michelle) Thies, Jason (Kristi) Thies, Robert Kranawetter, John (Jessica) Kranawetter, Kerri (Lloyd) Grant, Sherry Vaughn, Shawn Vaughn, Dawn Farris, Michelle (Jeremy) Larson, Jeremy (Megan) Kranawetter, Cheryl (Brock) Gale, Ben (Jessie) Kranawetter, Josh (Christina) Kranawetter, Tara (Tyler) Hunter, Sarah Gordon, Rick Grace, Tammy (Terry) Grime, Alex VanPelt, Megan VanPelt and Lucas VanPelt; 43 great grandchildren; special friend, Evelyn Vogel, nieces, nephews, other relatives and many friends Funeral service will be held at 11:00 Friday, March 21, 2014 at the Christ Lutheran Church in Jacob with Rev. Mike Kettner officiating. Burial will follow in Christ Lutheran Cemetery, Gorham. Visitation will be at Wilson's Funeral Home, Ava, where friends may call from 5 pm to 8 pm Thursday and on Friday from 7:30 am until 8:30 am, then from 10 am until 11 am at the church. Memorials may be given to Christ Lutheran Church.