ELFRIEDE KRAUTHAUSER WINDER
Elfriede "Fritzi" Krauthauser Winder, 91, widow of John K. Winder, passed from this life on Saturday, July 6, 2019, at her residence amid her family, after a long debilitating struggle with Alzheimer's.
Born on Jan. 24, 1928, in Koln, Germany, she was a daughter of the late Heinrich and Maria Matilde Magdalena Rieger Krauthauser. After World War II, Fritzi went to London for a year to care for the children of a lawyer as an "au pair" and learn the English language. She was later employed with NAAFI (Navy-Army-Air Force Institute), where her English improved. It was during this time she met an American airman, her future husband.
Fritzi was an avid reader and enjoyed cycling through the local countryside, camping and swimming. Other hobbies included playing the guitar, crocheting, knitting and sewing. She journeyed throughout France and other parts of Europe, frequenting her mother's home in Bensberg, Germany. During her husband's 20-year military career, Fritzi crossed the Atlantic multiple times before settling in Sumter with him and their five children.
This adventurous, amazing mother will be sorely missed.
Surviving are her children; devoted primary caregiver, Debora E. Russell, Eric L. Winder, Henry P. Winder (Uncha) and Katheryn W. Pack, all of Sumter, and Gretta A. Baker (Miles) of Fort Worth, Texas; seven grandchildren, Isreal C. Russell (Marie), Adam N. Russell (Kayla), Kara M. Youngblood, Sonya L. Winder, James L. Pack III and Rebekah K. Pack, all of Sumter, and Joshua Kramer Baker (Alysia) of Decatur, Texas; seven great-grandchildren; and a sister, Hildegard K. Fleet (Graham) of Sidmouth, Devon, United Kingdom.
In addition to her husband and parents, she was preceded in death by a brother, Heinz Krauthauser; a sister, Leni Neumann; and a son-in-law, Donnie B. Pack.
A private memorial service is pending.
Online condolences may be sent to www.sumterfunerals.com.
Elmore-Cannon-Stephens Funeral Home & Crematorium, 515 Miller Road, Sumter, is in charge of the arrangements, (803) 775-7500.