Karin Kratzke

It is with extreme sadness that we now have to say goodbye to our Karin.

Graceful. Articulate. Unshakable. Our grandmother, wife, mother, sister, daughter, friend, aunty Carrot wore many hats and led a full, happy, blessed, and beautiful life.  She was all heart.

She was the woman who believed in the beauty of simplicity and found importance and meaning in “all the little things”.  And yet, she was always in pursuit of another experience, a little more fun, or a new adventure. She was our rock when life sent any of us challenges, and had the magical ability to impart the wisdom, perspective, and the tools to guide us through.  She was known for her quick wit, and she always had a way of lighting up any occasion with her humor.  “It’s not what I said.  It’s how I said it.”

Karin came into this life on July 5^th, 1960, in Minneapolis, MN thanks to Elaine and David Dutcher. The second of six siblings, she pursued a lifelong dedication to family involvement by first, helping to raise her younger sibs and babysitting for local community members. As time flew by, she worked with family at The Supper Club, Riverside Farms, The VFW, and Bridges. She dedicated time to help her sister Renee keep watch on the many “daycare kids”, nephews, nieces and her own two daughters. She also loved helping with the planning, cooking, set up and tear down at our many large family life events.  

She married the Love of her Life, Leon, and together they embarked on a journey that led them to make a home first in Detroit Lakes, MN and then they later settled into a home near Crystal Lake.  They started a construction and masonry business together, and created many of the rock fireplaces, rock walls, and cemetery gates that you see around the area. The two also spent many hours together working on projects around the compound, enjoying each moment over morning coffee, and sunsets sitting under the “big tree”.  They loved traveling to the North Country to hunt grouse, pheasant, deer, and bear.    

Grandma Karin especially cherished the time she spent with her granddaughter Ava and daughter Brenda, imparting her wisdom on everything from rock collecting to bird watching and butterfly hunting.  She loved the mornings when they would make pancakes, play, read books, and then nap in the big chair.   

Karin passed away peacefully at her home on Saturday, February 17^th, 2024.

She is survived by her beloved husband Leon, Daughter Brenda (Ryan) Ness, and her dearest granddaughter Ava Ness.  

She is also survived by her mother Elaine Dutcher and siblings: Renee (Paul) Evenson, Gregg (Teresa) Dutcher, Scott (Kim) Dutcher, MaryLu (Greg) Bjornson, Darin (Jen) Dutcher

And Her Tribe of Extraordinary nieces, nephews, and close friends.

A Private family service will be held to honor her life.

** “Crack a Hamms”**

 Loves, Carrot.