Margaret Kratzke

Margaret Kratzke, 90, of Fergus Falls, died Wednesday, October 29, 2025, at PioneerCare in Fergus Falls. She was born March 6, 1935 to Olaf and Gertie (Thorson) Rysstad on the family farm ten miles south of East Grand Forks, MN.

She was welcomed home by four siblings and all have preceded her in death. When she was nine years old, her father passed away so her 19-year-old brother and her mother continued the farm operation with Margaret helping with many of the farm tasks. Margaret was more interested in tractors and trucks than housework and dolls. She attended a one-room school (Poplar Grove) from grades one through eight.

Her high school years were spent at East Grand Forks Central with band, choir, and class plays among many activities she enjoyed. Riding the bus, meeting new friends were a very enjoyable experience for her.

Earning a Bachelor's Degree in 1957 in Business Education and Psychology from Concordia College (Moorhead, MN) prepared her for a life-long career teaching business subject. She began that career in Sauk Centre, MN.

June 20th, 1959, she married her college sweetheart, Eldon Kratzke in the Fisher Lutheran Church, Fisher, MN. They lived in Fergus Falls, MN their entire married life. She taught in Fergus Falls High School and Fergus Falls Junior College (now M-state). Continuing her education while teaching full-time, she earned her Master's Degree in Business Education from Moorhead State University in 1976.

It was always a pleasure for her to meet former students wherever she went and loved to hear their stories. Favorite times for Margaret were when an employer would call needing a secretary and Margaret would place a student in the job, she had helped them prepare for. She retired from teaching in 1993 at 58 years old.

Some of the special honors Margaret received were the AAUW Woman of the Year Award in 1975, BPW Woman of the Year in 1991 and Outstanding Educator of the Year in 1993. She was an active member of the Bu P.E.O for more than 55 years and held many offices. She also served on the Fergus Falls Concert Association Board for 26 years. First Lutheran Church was also an important part of her life. She organized the OWLS (older wiser Lutherans) group for senior members and enjoyed many activities and day trips with church friends.

Entertaining students, staff, family, and friends were among her favorite hobbies and provided much pleasure for her entire life. Travel to all 50 states, Norway, and other countries in Europe brought much pleasure to Margaret and Eldon. Favorite road trips were Duluth, Itasca State Park, Branson, MO, Yellowstone, and Medora, MN.

Margaret especially loved attending the activities of her grandsons, Marshall and Dawson Kratzke. She enjoyed playing board games, cards, and hide-and-seek with her grandsons. She enjoyed having them overnight and making huge breakfasts in the morning. She was a Norwegian that loved watching those boys eat! Margaret and Eldon always enjoyed attending any events of their beloved grandsons like football, wrestling, band and choir concerts.

Preceding Margaret in death were her husband, Eldon Kratzke; her parents; sisters, Alice Anderson, Bergit Moe, and Thelma Sorenson, and brothers, Osmund (baby) and Helmer Rysstad.

Survivors include her son, Mark (Carol) Kratzke and her grandchildren, Marshall (18) and Dawson (17). Her nieces and nephews were all extra special to her as were her many friends.

Memorials are preferred to the Lake Region Cancer Care and Research Center in Fergus Falls.

Memorial Service: 1:00 p.m. Friday, November 7, 2025 at First Lutheran Church in Fergus Falls, with visitation one-hour prior to the service at the church.

Clergy: Pastor Ruth Hetland

Private Family Interment: First Lutheran North Cemetery, Fergus Falls, MN

Arrangements provided by Olson Funeral and Cremation in Fergus Falls.

Online condolences may be sent to www.olsonfuneralhome.com