News Summary
The Atwater community gathers to celebrate the life of Therese Helen Kragenbring, who passed away at 87. Her vibrant spirit, love for family, and passion for farming leave a lasting legacy. A memorial service will be held to honor her memory, bringing together friends and family to share stories of a remarkable woman.
Atwater Celebrates the Life of Therese Helen Kragenbring
Atwater is mourning the loss of one of its cherished residents, Therese Helen Kragenbring, who passed away at the age of 87 at her home on Friday, July 25, 2025. Therese was loved and admired in the community for her vibrant spirit and dedication to her family, and her memory will forever be cherished.
A Fond Farewell
A memorial service is set to honor Therese’s life at 1:00 PM on Saturday, August 2nd, at the Harvey Anderson Funeral Home in Willmar. Family and friends are invited to gather for visitation one hour prior to the service, providing a meaningful opportunity to share stories and memories of a remarkable woman who touched so many lives.
Following the service, a burial will be planned at a later date at St. Mary’s Cemetery in Atwater, a sacred place where Therese will rest among loved ones.
Roots and Growth
Born on October 29, 1937, in Bechyn, Minnesota, Therese was raised by her loving parents, William John and Helena Therese (Frank) Wohnoutka. She received her early education in Bechyn before continuing her studies at Olivia Country School and completing her eighth grade at St. Aloysius Catholic School. Graduating from Olivia High School in 1955 was just the beginning of her incredible journey.
On March 10, 1955, Therese married Robert Dean Kragenbring, embarking on a lifelong partnership that would take them on various adventures. They lived in both Reno and Sparks, Nevada, during Robert’s time in the Air Force before settling down in Atwater in 1963. In 1966, they purchased the Wheeler dairy farm, and for the next 33 years, they worked together, pouring their hearts into farming until their retirement in 1999.
A Life Lived to the Fullest
Therese was renowned for her delicious cooking and mouthwatering baked goods, which were a staple during family gatherings. Her love for farming was apparent, as she cherished every moment spent tending to her land. Gardening wasn’t just a hobby; it was a passion that filled her home with beautiful plants and fresh produce.
Alongside her love for the land, Therese enjoyed activities such as golfing, playing card games, and spending quality time with her family. Travel was a significant part of her life as she and Robert explored various destinations, including Myrtle Beach, Florida, Reno, Las Vegas, and even Washington, D.C. After Robert’s passing in 2006, Therese continued her journey, traveling with her sisters to places like Branson and Las Vegas, creating new memories from day trips to theaters and arboretums.
A Loving Legacy
Therese leaves behind a legacy of love and kindness as a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, and friend. Her warm spirit will be missed by her children: Cheryl (Mark) Norlien, Kevin Kragenbring, Linda Carlson, Kay Bawroski, and Colleen (Rick) Miller. She also has a son-in-law, Jerry Newton, and is survived by a remarkable 13 grandchildren and 15 great-grandchildren who will carry on her memory.
Additionally, Therese is remembered fondly by her siblings: Margaret (Richard) Bergo, Phyllis Berninger, Betty (Marvin) Dubert, Diane (Al) Nichols, Karen (Dennis) Barta, and Deb (Lionel) Kull. She was preceded in death by her husband, Robert; two dear daughters, Deborah and Danette; her parents; four brothers; and three sons-in-law.
Community Remembers
As Atwater comes together to celebrate Therese Helen Kragenbring’s life, her kind heart and unforgettable spirit will surely live on in the stories shared by all who knew her. She brought joy and warmth to countless lives and will always be remembered as a beloved member of this close-knit community.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Additional Resources
- WCT Tribune: Therese Kragenbring Obituary
- Wikipedia: Obituary
- Horvath Funeral Service: James Jim Wohnoutka
- Google Search: Funeral Services Listings
- WCT Tribune: Funeral Service Listings March 26, 2025
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Funeral
- WCT Tribune: Funeral Service Listings April 15, 2025
- Google News: Recent Obituaries
Author: STAFF HERE MYRTLE BEACH
The HERE Myrtle Beach Staff Writers are a collaborative team of journalists, editors, and local contributors passionate about delivering accurate, timely information to the Myrtle Beach community. As part of the HEREcity.com Network, which powers over 100 U.S. city sites including HEREcolumbia.com, our staff draws on collective experience in South Carolina journalism to cover everything from business sales and real estate developments to dining deals and community initiatives. Our Expertise and Background Local Roots in Myrtle Beach Our team includes lifelong Myrtle Beach residents and SC natives with deep knowledge of the area’s history, economy, and culture. We’ve covered key events like the recent developments along the Grand Strand, Myrtle Beach’s tourism and hospitality industry, and growth in local education sectors (e.g., Coastal Carolina University programs). Collective Experience With over 50 combined years in journalism, our staff has backgrounds in print, digital media, and community reporting. We prioritize fact-based stories, drawing from sources like the Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of Commerce, city government records, and on-the-ground interviews. Commitment to Quality Every article is a group effort, involving research, editing, and verification to ensure reliability. We adhere to journalistic standards, citing credible sources and updating content as new details emerge.
