Thatcher, Susan Michelle Kraus

Susan Michelle Kraus Thatcher, 50, of Cedar Rapids, formerly of Monticello, died Thursday, Nov. 28, 2013, at her parents' home, surrounded by her family after a courageous battle with cancer. Friends may call from 2 to 8 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 1, at Kramer Funeral Home in Monticello. A memorial service will be held at 1 p.m. Monday, Dec. 2, at the funeral home. A private committal service will be conducted at a later date.

Susan was born April 23, 1963, in Monticello, the daughter of Walter and Janaan (Smith) Kraus. She graduated from Monticello High School and from Kirkwood Community College. She worked at Five Star Shop Service and at Red Star Yeast in Cedar Rapids.

She liked crafting, baking, and thrift shopping, being physically active, especially jogging and X-C skiing. She enjoyed working with the youth groups at church and helping others. She cherished her time with her daughter, parents and siblings.

Survivors include her daughter, Lilian Thatcher of Cedar Rapids; her mother, Janaan Kraus of Monticello; and seven siblings, Anna (Ron) Carson of Overland Park, Kan., Thomas Kraus of Prairieburg, Mary Kay (Rod) Starks of Delhi, Jean Kraus (Steve Sadler) of Scottsdale, Ariz., Donald (Nikki) Kraus of Prairieburg, Jeffrey (Ann-Marie) Kraus of Bendigo, Australia, and Jennifer (Jason) Smith of Walker; nine nieces and nephews, Maggie and Tessa Carson, Ray Starks, Allison, Kennedy and Jaelynn Kraus, Tilly Roberts-Kraus, Joshua and Jillian Smith; Lilian's half brothers, Gary (Tammy) Thatcher and their daughter, Elizabeth, and Steve (Jane) Thatcher, and their son, Quinton, all of Marion.

She was preceded in death by her father, Walter Kraus; and Lilian's grandmother, Marjorie Thatcher.

Sue was always a giver, she donated her eyes.

Information available at www.kramerfuneral.com.

Published Nov. 30, 2013 in The Gazette