East Amana native, 90, takes ride of a lifetime

NORWAY--- East Amana native Lucille Krauss, 90,  achieved a lifelong goal of taking a hot air balloon ride Saturday.

"She's nervous, but she's a very strong person," Krauss' son-in-law, Charles McKenzie, said,  noting he's heard her talk about wanted to ride in a balloon for 31 years. "'I've always wanted to do that!' McKenzie, 58, mimicked his mother-in-law. "Every time a balloon is in the air Lucille says that."

A crowd of friends and family gathered around to see Krauss off; some children screamed with glee, and probably sheer fright, as crews readied, not one - but two, massive and brilliantly striped hot air balloons.

Krauss, who said she was excited and "felt very good" to finally be going up, stood by and watched her balloon inflate within five minutes, and a group whisked her away into the basket before it floated away permanently.

"I'm gonna close my eyes now," Krauss said, almost warily, between the din of torch-like roars from the motor.

The balloon took off from the field in front of St. Michael's Church, at Carver Street and W. Railroad Street in Norway at 5:15 p.m.

As soon as the basket, carrying her small frame lifted off the ground, a smile broke across her face and she waved to those below.

Krauss floated off with Casey Frame and her friend, Middle Amana resident, Ruth Cooper, 58, who helped make her wish come true.

Cooper said she made all the arrangements with Frame and his wife, Tammy, also of Amana, who've been operating the balloons as a hobby for six years. Cooper said she knows the young couple from the Clear Creek Amana school district.

The Frames said they launch balloons from this location approximately a dozen times each year - weather permitting.

The trio rode for about an hour, because all landings are required by sunset, per federal aviation regulations, Tammy Frame explained.

A 6 mph southeast wind didn't take them very far, but Krauss  got to see part of her hometown.  Krauss lived through the town's "Great Change" beginning in 1931, and she now lives just across the street from where she was born.

The balloon landed at the Amana RV Park, 3890 C Street, where she celebrated with a champagne toast, something the Frames routinely do after rides.

Krauss said she felt so at ease and peaceful as she was flying.

"Now if the Cardinals win tonight I will have had the perfect day," she said.