Patricia Kraff

Patricia I. Brandenburg Kraff, age 72 of Columbia, MO, passed away July 3, 2011 at Columbia Manor at Columbia, MO. She was born October 26, 1938 in McPherson, KS to Jack & Dorothy (Shea) Brandenburg. She attended Fairbury, NE schools and graduated from Fairbury High School in 1956. She attended Fairbury Junior College, St. Joseph School of Nursing in Omaha and completed her Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree at Omaha University in 1961. Pat met Mike Kraff, an Air Force officer attending O.U. under a military educational program. They were married August 26, 1961 in Fairbury. When Mike resumed civilian life in 1977, Pat and he moved to Columbia, MO where they resided the rest of her life.

Pat continued her education in Columbia, earning a Master's Degree in Health Education and Counseling Psychology. She worked as a home health nurse, part-time school nurse, health educator in a substance abuse center and served as a nursing supervisor in a state mental hospital.

After retiring in 1998, Pat tirelessly pursued volunteerism in Columbia. She was actively involved in the Upscale Resale shop of the local Assistance League. Pat also volunteered at the Museum of Art and Archaeology on the University of Missouri campus. Her retirement activities also included membership and participation in the University Women's group "Fortnightly," with special interest in the Afternoon Book Club and Bess Schooling Antique Group. Pat also enjoyed extensive travel with her husband, Mike, visiting many sites in the United States and abroad. Pat loved traveling, reading and visiting museums. She was a most interesting conversationalist, a true life-long learner with remarkable detail recall.

Pat was a devoted mother and grandmother. She was preceded in death by her parents and her son, Michael. She is survived by her husband, Mike of Columbia, MO and son Kevin, his wife, Leslie and their children, Summer and Forrest of Los Angeles, CA, brother Jerry Brandenburg, his wife Sherrie of Fairbury, NE, and several nieces, nephews and cousins.

Pat will sorely be missed by her many friends and family, whose lives she touched with her enthusiasm and compassion. The family wishes to acknowledge and thank Columbia Manor and Hospice for their compassionate care.

A funeral service will be conducted at 10:30 a.m. Friday July 8, 2011 at Gerdes-Meyer Funeral Home in Fairbury, with Lana Likens officiating. Burial at the Fairbury Cemetery - Fairbury, NE. Closed Casket, a register book is available at the Funeral Home.

Memorials may be designated to: The Assitance League of Comlumbia at 1729 W. Broadway, Suite 1A, Columbia, MO 65203-1190, American Cancer Society, or to an organization of the donor's choice.

A celebration of life memorial service for Pat will be held at 2:00 p.m. Saturday, July 30, 2011 at the Unitarian Universalist Church of Columbia. Parker Funeral Service is in charge of arrangements. Visit the Parker website at http://www.parkerfuneralservice.com/fh/home/home.cfm?fh_id=11542 for more information about the celebration of life memorial service.