Art Mccracken Obituary (2021

In Memory ofCharles "Art" McCrackenCharles "Art" McCracken was born December 12, 1921 on a farm southeast of Beaver Crossing to Hugh and Goldie (Gentry) McCracken, the 5th of eight children and passed away Tuesday, May 27, 2008 at Warren Memorial Hospital in Friend at the age of 86 years 5 months and 15 days. As a young boy he attended country school at District #3 near Beaver Crossing. Upon the death of his father, Art at age 13, began a long farming career by taking on the responsibility of running the farm to support his family. On January 1, 1944, Art was united in marriage to Norma Berniece Spence at her parent's home in Friend and to this union two children, David and Barbara were born. They started their married life on a farm in Seward County, moving to the Friend area where he was a long-time cattle feeder and farmer until they retired and moved into Friend in 1985. Art enjoyed keeping up with farm activities until his health began to fail. He was a hardworking livestock man and enjoyed spending time with his friends, especially his fishing trips. In addition, he enjoyed hunting in the winter months. Art and Norma wintered in Weslaco, Texas for many years. Chocolate, jellies and jams were his favorite foods and as a young man he often made fudge for his family. He was a member of the United Church of Christ, Friend, past member Friend Public School Board, served many years as a member of the Exeter Feeders and Breeders and served as a board member of the Friend Coop during the construction of the elevator in the 1950's, and a former member of the Friend Grange #390 for many years. Art is survived by his son and daughter-in-law, David and Carol McCracken, Friend, daughter and son-in-law, Barbara and Michael Becker, Lincoln, four grandchildren and spouses, Adam and Jacki McCracken, Mount Pleasant, IA, Kary and Larry Archer, Jr., Alicia and Kenny Smetter, Jessica and Ryan Allington, all of Lincoln, seven great-grandchildren, Caydon and Meghan McCracken, Lucas, Nathen, and Ella Archer, Chasity and Caitlyn Smetter, brothers and sisters-in-law, George and Margaret McCracken, Rising City, Don and Doris McCracken, Beaver Crossing, sisters, Dorothy Ricenbaw, Lincoln, Ruth Robinson, York, sister-in-law, Mabel Kohout, numerous nieces, nephews and a host of other relatives and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, and his wife, Norma in 1997, sisters, Wilma Weber, Norma Ricenbaw, and Lorraine Hansen.A Funeral Service will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Friday, May 30, 2008 at the United Church of Christ, Friend, with the Revs. Tim and Ginny Adams officiating. Interment will be in Andrew Cemetery. Visitation noon-9pm on Thursday, Lauber-Moore Funeral Home, Friend and one hour prior to service at church. Memorials have been established and are directed in care of the family or to the donor's choice. Condolences may be sent to the family at laubermoore.com. Arrangements have been entrusted to Lauber-Moore Funeral Home, Friend.