Ellen Kammrath, 97, died August 20, 2018
She once said that her aspiration was to be a good mother, and in that she was more than successful. Whether making the favorite jello for her grandson or keeping grandpa awake when bringing one of the grandkids back for a weekend, she always looked out for the health and happiness of her family. A visit to her house was never complete without sauerbraten, potato pancakes, cake and two or three kinds of cookies just for good measure! When it wasn’t laden with delicious food, the dining room table always had a jigsaw puzzle in progress, and she always played along when a mischievous child hid the last piece, camouflaged on the rest of the puzzle, to make grandpa look for it.
Creative and industrious, she crocheted the most beautiful afghans. She always had a patient ear for suggestions on color, but fortunately knew how quickly tastes change, and gracefully avoided taking those suggestions. More durable than cake or cookies, her afghans still adorn the homes of many of her children and grandchildren, continuing to keep her family cozy and warm on cold evenings.
Born on a memorable day, May 30, 1921, she was baptized in the Lord four weeks later. A second memorable day in her life was December 6, 1941, her marriage. She came of age during the Great Depression and cared for two children until her wounded husband returned from the war. She often said, “Oh, the Lord is good to me!”. She saw to it that her children were baptized and confirmed in the church. All her children attended parochial school for twelve years and she worked several years as church secretary at St. John, La Grange.
She is survived by four children, eight grandchildren and 3 great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband, William Kammrath, who passed away in 2003. Loving family includes children William (Connie)Kammrath, Robert Kammrath, Mark (Julaine) Kammrath and Ruth(Ken) Voight; grandchildren Aster (Sam Henry) Kammrath, Andrew (Ashley) Kammrath, April (Trevor) Kenyon, Geoff (Susan) Kammrath, Lara Kammrath, Matthew (Brooke) Kammrath, Barbara (Lucas) Anderson and Heather Voight; great-grandchildren Liana Anderson, Riley and Grayson Kammrath.
Visitation and service are at Hitzeman Funeral Home 9445 West 31st Street, Brookfield, IL 60513. Visitation Thursday, August 23, 2018, 10-11 a.m. with service at 11:00 a.m. Interment Bethania Cemetery. Memorials appreciated to St. John’s Lutheran Church, 505 S Park, La Grange IL 60525. Further information www.HitzemanFuneral.com or 708-485-2000
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Deepest sympathy to the whole family at the death of sweet Aunt Ellen.
I am so thankful that I was able to make it to her fun birthday party a couple of years ago–she was just as precious then as I remember her from many years ago.
God be with all as you mourn in the days ahead.
I will consider coming for the funeral, but cannot be sure I will be able to make it. Love & prayers, Cousin Holly
What a sweet lady Ellen was! We knew her for just a brief few years at the twilight of her life. But even then, we could tell she was a woman of faith, character and deep convictions, and also full of fun and love. She lives on in her children and grandchildren and leaves a rich legacy for them to cherish. Ellen, may you travel in peace to your spiritual home. To the family you leave behind, we offer our most sincere condolences and deepest sympathy. We pray they will remember you fondly and with laughter in the difficult days and months ahead as they celebrate your long and beautiful life. Rest in peace! Your labors are over. Enjoy life in Paradise!
Ellen was a beautiful Christian woman, inside as well as outside. I know she will be missed by all of you. May God give you the comfort that will heal all hurts.
Dear Cousins – My sincere condolences on the loss of Aunt Ellen. I’m so sorry I am not able to travel to be with you today as you recognize her life and legacy. My heart, prayers and thoughts are with you all. As Christians, we are comforted by knowing she is resting in the arms of the Lord…but I know she will be greatly missed. Much love, Pam.