Richard Justin Kraeske, 82, of Clarksville, TN died on Wednesday, February 22, 2012 at St. Thomas Hospital in Nashville, TN. He was born on April 23, 1929 in Clarksville, TN to the late Anthony "AJ" Joseph Kraeske and Ellen Marie McNulty Kraeske. He was also preceded in death by a sister, Mary Ellen Bradbury Palmore and a brother, Anthony Nathan Kraeske.
Funeral mass will be held on Saturday, February 25, 2012 at 12 PM at Immaculate Conception Catholic Chapel with Father Eric Fowlkes, Father John Baptiste, and Father Charles Matthew officiating. Burial will be in Greenwood Cemetery. Visitation will be Friday, February 24, 2012 from 3-7 PM and Saturday, February 25, 2012 from 10 AM until 11:30 AM at Neal-Tarpley-Parchman Funeral Home. A rosary service will be held on Friday, February 24, 2012 at 7 PM at Neal-Tarpley-Parchman Chapel with Dr. Tim Winters officiating.
Richard retired from Clarksville Gas and Water after 55 years as a water treatment plant superintendent. He was also a lifelong member of Immaculate Conception Catholic Church.
He is survived by his fiancee and lifelong companion, Sara L. Coleman of Clarksville, TN and a brother, John Kraeske of Clarksville, TN.
Pallbearers will be his nephews, Johnny Douglas Kraeske, William Bradbury, Paul Bradbury, James Kraeske, Joe Kraeske, Mark Kraeske, Jonathan Kraeske, Ryan Kraeske, and Matthew Wall.
In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to St. Patrick School, 175 St. Patrick Street, McEwen, TN 37101. Arrangements entrusted to Neal-Tarpley-Parchman Funeral home, 1510 Madison Street, Clarksville, TN 37040. On-line condolences may be made at www.neal-tarpley.com.