Sarah Kriesch Obituary - Visitation & Funeral Information

Sarah Kriesch 94, of Capac quietly left this life in the early hours of Friday, May 31, 2013. Her life began in Bayard, Nebraska, on June 20th 1918, the sixth of eight children born to Heinrich and Mary (Stieben) Schwartzkopf. At the age of 5 the family moved to Michigan where she flourished and grew while attending Evangelical United Brethren Church. One Sunday morning during service, someone was whispering too loud. She turned and shushed the man who was to become her husband. She and Ellis Kriesch were joined on September 27th 1941 and spent their lives creating a home and family in Capac. Sarah was anything but a typical housewife, putting her hand to wrecking bar, paint brush, hammer, shovel, pitchfork, hay bale, spade and hoe, to do what had to be done. And in a home that did not have running water in their early years and baths taken in metal tubs. Growing a garden and canning veggies and fruits were always squeezed in somehow. And she loved growing flowers, picking blueberries and being in the sunshine! Cash was tight, so she worked at the Yale Woolen Mills till it closed and then at TRW sewing seat belts, where she saw a bigger purpose and became a union rep and bargaining committee chairman. Throughout her life, Sarah also volunteered at her church. She served 20 years as Sunday School Superintendent and led children's worship music -- pitched in on harvest dinners, funeral luncheons, ice cream socials, and kitchen cleanups – was President of UMW, and made health kits for needy children in Africa. Then in her golden years provided music and sang for the residents of Yale MediLodge -- and continued to grow flowers, picking blueberries, and enjoying bright sunshine. Sarah was a passionate and dedicated individual – giving and expecting 100% of herself. She is survived by her son David and his wife Jacelyn of Capac, daughter Sandra and her husband Roy Rautiola of Livonia, and daughter Deborah Raska of North Branch; six grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren; her remaining sister Lucille Hansman of Yale and several nieces, nephews, and friends Preceding her in death is her husband Ellis, on October 17 1967, and son-in law Edward J. Raska Jr. in 2005. She never remarried. The family honors the memory of Sarah and invites everyone to visit and share memories Wednesday, June 5th 2013 from 3:00 to 8:00 p.m. at the Kaatz Funeral Directors, Capac. Funeral services will be Thursday, 11:00 a.m. at Zion United Methodist Church in Capac with 10:00 a.m. visiting. Nephew Rev. Richard Kriesch and Rev. Lisa Clark, pastor, will co-officiate. Burial will be in Evangelical Cemetery . Memorials are suggested to “Wishes of the Family”. For information and Guest Book kaatzfunerals.com