Candace A. Kraska
June 27, 2014
Candace A. Kraska, 69, was born June 16, 1945 in Grinnell, Iowa, the daughter of Anthony and Mabel Clementi. She passed away June 27, 2014 at Mercy Medical Center.
Candace graduated from Grinnell High School where she had been a majorette of the marching band. She worked for Principal Financial until 1980 when she and her husband Emanuel started their family, and she became a full time mom. Candace was a member of ABWA (American Business Women’s Association), IHA (Iowa Hospital Association), PTA (Parent Teacher Association) and volunteered at countless events including her children’s schools and activities. She was unofficially seen as the “Community Mom”. It wouldn’t have been an abnormal day for Candace to have taxied a few kids around town and fed a few others within the same day. She never missed her children’s events unless it was out of her control.
She enjoyed arts and crafts especially drawing cartoon characters on her kid’s school lunch bags (they were a hit!). Candace also was a huge holiday enthusiast. She spent hours upon hours decorating, choosing the perfect Christmas tree and shopping/wrapping gifts.
Candace was an avid Iowa Hawkeye and Chicago Cubs fan. She was always “plugged” in to the games win or lose.
Candace was a member of the Broadlawns Medical Center Guild. She was the manager and buyer for the Broadlawns Gift Shop and volunteered for many special projects and events. She had a passion for helping others and her friends and family called her the Energizer Bunny.
Candace is survived by her loving husband Emanuel Jr.; children, Kelly Kraska and Nicholas (Kelly) Kraska; grandchildren, Abigail and Andrew; brother, James (Becki) Clementi; extended family; and beloved friends. She was preceded in death by her parents and brother, Richard.
The family will greet friends Saturday, July 19, 2014 from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. with a memorial service at 12 p.m. at Hamilton’s Southtown Funeral Home, 5400 SW 9th Street.
Memorial contributions may be directed to the Broadlawns Medical Center Guild.
Online condolences may be expressed at
www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com.
J. Moore
07/14/2014
To the Kraska Family,
So sorry to learn about the loss of your Dear Loved One, Candy. Please know that so many people share your grief with you to help you through this difficult time of sorrow. Please accept my deepest condolences as we await the time when Christ Jesus will awaken all of those who have fallen asleep in death; including your Beloved, Candy.
(John 11:41-44)
Guy Scott
07/08/2014
Manny, I am truly sorry for your loss. I remember fondly all of the late evening chats I had with "Her Majesty". You and your family are in Marilyn and my prayers.
gloria
07/07/2014
everyone she touched enjoyed her warmth-breath on my friend-thanks for the conversations and the friendship you gave me
Linda and Leonard O'Hair
07/05/2014
Manny, There are no words that will make it better...but you know many of us old timers, from NTL, are thinking about you and your family, right now.
Joyce Davis
07/02/2014
So sorry to hear of Candace's death! Thinking about you and your family. Please take care.
Donna Britt
07/01/2014
I am so sorry to hear of Candy's passing! She was a wonderful woman so supportive of her family and their educational endeavors. As a first grade teacher, I remember her constant support and willingness to always help out in any way, at Pleasant Hill Elementary! She will be missed, but thought of, and loved forever!
Janice [Jones] Moser
06/30/2014
Emanuel and family. I am so sorry for your loss. I remember her so fondly. So much fun and a great smile! Great memories from our younger days.
Laurie Everhardt
06/30/2014
I had the opportunity to work with Candy when she served on the Iowa Hospital Associations Volunteer/Auxilian Board. She was a delight to know and her enthusiasm for the work of Broadlawns was impressive. My sympathies to her family.
Paulette Ihrig
06/29/2014
Dear Kraska Family:
My deepest sympathy. I will miss Candy's smile and her wonderful laugh in the halls of Broadlawns Medical Center.
Suzanne
06/29/2014
Candy was a very special friend. Although I didn't see her a lot in the last few years, it was always a pleasure to run into her anywhere. I regret not getting together with her more often. So sorry to read about her passing. Condolences to the entire family.