A common definition of nurture is—the act of providing food, protection, support, or encouragement. To nurture someone or something takes active presence, time, and attention. Whether volunteering at the local food pantry, beautifying the Elroy community with seasonal flowers, or bringing treats and visiting with folks at the local nursing home, Rita Kranz is dedicated to nourishing those around her. For her efforts, she was recently presented with Oakdale Electric Cooperative’s Selfless
Service Award.
Nutrients through food are one of the basic needs of all living things. In her giving nature, Rita is an avid volunteer with the Elroy Emergency Food Pantry when St. Patrick Catholic Church oversees it, and she is sure to write thank you notes to the pantry supporters. Along with providing sustenance, Rita has helped behind the scenes at Hustler Fest by assisting with the chicken dinner and making pickles and sugar cookies.
As a member of the Hill and Dale Garden Club, Rita’s green thumb is on full display around Elroy throughout every season. The club beautifies the town with blooming flowers in spring and summer, while mums and scarecrow decorations provide a transition into harvest season. They also decorate Christmas trees in the park in winter and maintain a perennial garden that the club established. Beyond the garden club and tending to her own flourishing lawn, Rita assists her daughter, Donna Bradley, with her greenhouse called the Never-Ending Gardens & Greenhouse, located outside of Camp Douglas.
While her creative side can be seen around town, Rita has a strong faith that leads her to serve at various churches. She volunteers at St. Theresa Perpetual Adoration Chapel in Union Center and assists with funeral dinners and other arrangements for St. Patrick Catholic Church in Elroy. Rita has also made treats and visited shut-ins at local nursing homes to aid in social support.
Oakdale Electric Cooperative members John and Charlene Ennis nominated Rita and were present when she received her award at the Elroy Community meal at Grace Lutheran Church. Charlene stated, “Rita is a big part of what keeps our little burg of Elroy moving. With her hard work and dedication, she truly deserves this recognition.”
Whether it’s nurturing plants, people, or places, it’s in Rita’s nature.