Clear, 32° F
(August 26, 2003)
Memorial services will be conducted Saturday, Aug. 30 at 11 a.m. at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Powell for Richard Jacob Kragler, 91, who died Tuesday, Aug. 26 at the Powell Hospital.
Pastor Larry Veland will officiate. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service.
Mr. Kragler, who most recently lived at the Heartland assisted living facility in Powell, for many years owned and operated the Ben Franklin Store, and later, Kragler's, a variety store in the same downtown Powell location.
He was born May 1, 1912, in Omaha, Nebr. During some 50 years in Powell, he was active in the business community and civic life. He often spoke of his enjoyment from participating in Powell's parades where he portrayed various characters.
He was a member of the Immanuel Lutheran Church, the Lions Club, Eagles, the Kiwanis Club, the Senior Citizens Center, and, previously, the Big Horn Basin Boat Club.
He enjoyed fishing, snowmobiling, reading and especially having a cup of coffee with friends. Travel was important to him, whether to see the world or to see his family. His many trips took him to China, Australia, Europe, Mexico, the Panama Canal and Africa, among others. But coming home to his beloved Powell and Wyoming brought him great happiness.
Survivors include his daughters, Shirley Kelley and husband Jerry of Canton, Mich., Sharon Ross and husband Read of Lansing, Mich., Sherry Kragler and a special friend, John Talue, of Muncie, Ind., and Janice Ellis and husband Richard of Willard, Ohio; seven grandchildren, Kurt, Scott, Todd, Jill, Sean, Brad and Erica; and four great-grandchildren, Skylar, Mitchell, Rilyn and Erin.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Alice Tervo Kragler; a son, Richard A. Kragler; and a grandson, Mitchell K. Kelley.
For those who wish, the family would appreciate memorial contributions to the Northwest College Foundation or a charity of choice. Miratsky-Easton Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
A private interment will be held at Crown Hill Cemetery.
