Emma Krager

Emma L. Krager, 92, died at her Chinook residence on Thanksgiving morning. She was a strong, determined, independent woman who had a fierce love for her family. Her father Raider Sather died when she was a young girl and this was to be a pivotal event in her life. She was a "daddy's girl" and Louise forever left this loss. From that time on she had a burning desire for close-knit family. Louise met Bill Krager at Ilwaco High School. They soon became a couple and had a wonderful romance. Among their many activities Louise loved riding on the back of Bill's Indian motorcycle. She wore jeans long before they were standard wear of young womenand she knew what she wantedBill and a great family. In the midst of an unusual March snow storm during the Depression years, she and Bill eloped. Upon returning home to Chinook they moved into the top floor of the old Chinook Observer building and it was during these years that their son Terry was born. Later they moved to Bill's family home in Chinook where Jon "Bud" joined the family. During the years the boys were at home Louise's focus was on building an excellent family life. A marvelous cook, she was also a full participant in all school and related activities that interested her husband and sons. Many of the locals have memories of the "shed parties". Whether of Louise and Bill's generation or later of Bud's, the memories of these occasions lives on with many. Louise was content behind the scenes, preparing food, mixing beverages, dancing or staying awake to listen and check until the last guest departed from the younger sets parties. Louie was a fabulous cook. Family dinner times were the kind most only seen on TV in shows like "Leave it to Beaver". Louise and her guys sat around the table and discussed all subjects while enjoying a delicious mealusually with Bill's meat and potatoes. Often guests joined the family and they were always welcome, be they invited or drop-ins. When Terry and later Jon were in college, Louise never knew who would be coming homebut all were welcome. Quite often following dinner there would be music courtesy of Bill or Bill's mother, Grandma Hope, and the "boys". Louise would be finishing up in the kitchen or settling down in the living room, knitting, crocheting or doing other handiwork. Family always came first. Chores were put aside on a moments notice for a family picnic on Sand Island, the beach or nearby hills. When the boys were in school Louise defied conventional wisdom and took a job. Back in those days the only "correct role" for a woman was to be a housewife. Louise, though, reasoned that her family would be better off with her contributing to the family coffers. Putting her business degree to good use she took a job at the local PUD office. There she loved her work and, feeling the pressure of being a working mother, she redoubled her efforts to meet all the needs of her family. When retirement called she and Bill continued their enjoyment of being together. Yes, they still took off into the hills on Bill's newer model motorcycle, but there was also time for Louise's new love: tole painting. Bill's woodworking skills provided the boards needed and Louise created quite a name for herself among the tole painters and garnered many friends. Upon Louise's 90th birthday her son Jon hosted an extended family party at Lake Quinault Lodge to celebrate her wonderful life. The lodge was a favorite family vacation locale and was enjoyed yearly with the last trip just this October. Louise was preceded in death by her mother Emma Hofstad; father Raider Sather; beloved husband Bill; and her son Terry. She is survived by her son Jon; grandchildren Jennifer, Cortney and Erik; great-grandchildren Zaq, Deven, Demri, Kyle, Ananda and Breanna; sister Rachel; and niece Patty. A private family service will be held. Memorials are suggested to Friends of Chinook School, Chinook Volunteer Fire Department, or PACE in care of Penttila's Chapel by The Sea, PO Box 417, Long Beach, WA 98631. Her guestbook is available at www.penttilaschapel.com.