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IN LOVING MEMORY OF Robert E. Cratsenberg

Name: Friends May Call As They Desire
Start: 10/03/2021 12:00 PM
End: 10/03/2021 04:00 PM
Location: Banks & Beals Funeral Home

Robert E.

Cratsenberg

Sep 18, 1922 — Sep 30, 2021

LaHarpe

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Robert E. Cratsenberg's Obituary

Please click on read more to view a recording of Bob's service.

Robert "Bob" Cratsenberg, 99, of LaHarpe, Illinois, went home to be with Jesus Thursday, September 30, 2021 after a brief illness.

Bob was born south of LaHarpe on the family farm September 18, 1922, the son of J. Harvey and Kathryn (Schroeder) Cratsenberg. On October 12, 1947 he married Martha Jean Little at the LaHarpe Methodist Church. She preceded him in death on May 18, 2014.

Bob graduated from LaHarpe High School in 1940. Two years later, he and his brother, Rolland, purchased the Towler Brother's Grocery Store in LaHarpe. Several years later he also opened Brown, Lynch and Scott hardware store next to the grocery. He owned and operated the Bargain Barn and Nothing New in LaHarpe and farmed near LaHarpe his entire life.

Bob was a strong and committed Christian who read his Bible daily, taught Sunday school, Bible studies, and was a lay minister.

He loved to farm, to attend auctions, and work as an auctioneer. He also enjoyed bowling, rooting for the Cubs, mushroom hunting, and time spent with family.

Survivors include three daughters; Jan (K. R. Knopp) Monitcello, Iowa; Kathy Kendall and Becky (Rich) Wilhite all of LaHarpe; four grandchildren; Kari (Matt) Payne, Daniel (Amanda) Kendall, Ryan Wilhite and Laura Wilhite and three great-grandchildren Alec, Ethan, and Alexia.

He was preceded in death by his wife of 67 years, Martha Jean, and his siblings: Rolland, Fred, Lucille, and Helen.

A graveside service will be held at 2:00 p.m. Monday, October 4th, 2021 at the LaHarpe Cemetery with Larry Hobby officiating.

While no formal family visitation will be held, friends may pay their respects from noon until 4:00 p.m. Sunday, October 3rd , at Banks and Beals Funeral Home in LaHarpe.

A memorial fund has been established for the LaHarpe Ambulance or the Agape Christian Fellowship.

To send flowers or plant a memorial tree in memory, please visit our flower store.