Holly Jean (Kratzke) Gray

November 25, 1975 – August 14, 2026

Holly Jean (Kratzke) Gray, of Iola, Wisconsin, passed away peacefully on Friday morning, Aug. 14, 2026, at Theda Clark Medical Center in Neenah, Wisconsin.

Born on Nov. 25, 1975, at Clintonville Community Hospital, Holly grew up in a loving family and attended St. Martin Lutheran School. She graduated early from Clintonville Senior High School, where she was actively involved in 4H and began developing the passion for service that would define her life.

Early in her career, Holly worked in healthcare before becoming a stay‑at‑home wife. It didn’t take long for her to discover her true calling: building a life centered on service, compassion, and care — for both people and animals. Holly lived with purpose, pouring her heart into every relationship and every act of kindness.

On June 20, 1998, Holly married the love of her life, Michael (Moe) Joseph Gray, Sr. Together, Holly and Moe created a life filled with love, laughter, and endless adventures. Their home was a gathering place, their circle ever expanding. Holly believed deeply in family — not just the one you’re born into, but the one you build. Over the years, she and Moe cultivated countless communities: Immediate Family, Work Family, Camping Family, UTV Family, K9 Unit Family. Holly welcomed everyone with open arms and an open heart.

Sassy, supportive, motivated, and full of spunk, Holly showed up for anyone who needed her. She lived boldly and generously, proving every day that a life well lived is measured by the people you lift up and the love you leave behind.

Helper. Giver. Lover. Caretaker. Devoted. Selfless. Generous. Charismatic. Over the top! Wife. Daughter. Mother. Sister. Aunt. Grandmother. Friend. A true lover of life. Passionate. K9 supporter. Dog lover.

Of all her roles, being “Nana” was Holly’s greatest starring role. Everyday moments with her grandchildren brought her immense joy, but holidays — especially Halloween — lit her up with an extra sparkle. Holly loved dressing up, laughing, and making memories with her grandbabies. Those moments were her magic.

Holly’s impact on her community was profound. One of her proudest accomplishments was organizing the first Iola Lake District “Kids Fish‑a‑Lon” on June 6, 2026 — a joyful day of fishing, learning, and community connection. She also devoted her time and heart to organizations she cherished, including the Waupaca County and Marion K9 Units, Fallen Heroes, Meet the Fleet–Waupaca County, and many others.

Holly is preceded in death by her grandparents Vernon & Sadie Kratzke, Roy & Margie Riehl, and William & Barbara Gray, as well as her beloved dogs.

She is survived by her husband, Michael Joseph Gray Sr.; her children, Haley May (Gray) Sigourney (Mason Sigourney) and Michael Joseph Gray Jr.; her parents, Vernell & Ella (Riehl) Kratzke Sr.; her siblings, Jenny Kratzke (Kelly McPherson) and Vernell Kratzke Jr. (Mary Wagner); her nieces and nephews, Devan Kratzke, Joslyn Kratzke, and Xavier McPherson; and the twinkles of her eye — her six grandchildren: Addilyn Sigourney, William Gray, Augustus Johnson, Phoenix Gray, Ariella Sigourney, and Antillica Sigourney.

A visitation will be held at St. Martin Lutheran Church in Clintonville on Saturday, Aug. 29, from 9 a.m. to noon, with a memorial service at noon, and a meal to follow. Rev. Hayden Lukas will be officiating. A celebration of Holly’s life will be held at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests contributions to the Holly Gray Memorial Fund, which will be distributed to organizations she passionately supported.

The family extends their heartfelt gratitude to the Theda Clark ICU staff in Neenah and to the Waupaca County Sheriff’s Department for their unwavering kindness, support, and care for Holly.

Holly, you will forever be cherished and held warmly in our hearts. You are deeply loved and will be profoundly missed. May you rest in peace.

The Eberhardt-Stevenson Funeral Home & Crematory, Clintonville, is assisting the family.