Celebrating the original Ford Thunderbird
from 1955, 1956, and 1957
Recent Events
IN MEMORIAM:
It is with great sadness that we report the death of longtime CTCC member Joe Kraatz.
Joe was the original owner of his colonial white 1957 E-Model Thunderbird.
Joe special ordered the car and after a two month wait, he took delivery in April 1957.
He loved working on his E-bird and going to car shows.
His obit is below:
VALPARAISO, IN - Joseph Kraatz, Jr., 88, of Valparaiso passed away Friday, January 24, 2020 at home with his family. He was born August 11, 1931 in Medina, NY to A. Joseph Sr. and Esther (Gladow) Kraatz. Joe graduated from Valparaiso University in 1953 and served honorably with the U.S. Army. He later operated Roy's Mobilgas at 2 & 30 in Valparaiso. He retired from Aid Association for Lutherans, serving as a District Representative for 24 years. After retirement, he enjoyed watching the Green Bay Packers and VU Basketball. As an avid Ford enthusiast, he loved working for Currie Ford of Valpo, participating in car shows and being an active member of Classic Thunderbird Club of Chicagoland and Michiana Mustang Club. He loved his family and the Lord and was a member of Immanuel Lutheran Church. On April 6, 1963, he married Sandra Meyer who survives along with their daughters: Kari Correll (Dan Lentino) of Schaumburg, IL and Kami (Chad) Woody of Valparaiso; his brother, James (Joy) Kraatz of Michigan; and his two beloved granddogs, Quinn and Whitney.
DUDES & DIVAS WINTER DINNER
This year’s Dudes and Divas Winter Dinner was held on January 24th at the Palm Court Restaurant. Though the weather was foggy with a mix of snow and rain the evening still brought out twenty-seven members. Everyone enjoyed each other’s company and of course a delicious meal. As always, a great gathering to help break the winter blues. A big thank you to Ken and Kathy Smizinski for planning the evening.
Those in attendance were: Dan & Karen Anderson, Bill & Jane Balogh, Peter & Katie Hauser, Larry & Karen Kelly, Len & Mary KeIl, Pete & Marylu Kramer, Ed Levin and Rose Kovalenko, Dean & Beth Molburg, Dan Mrozek, Bob & Barb Sroka, Lloyd & Joan Schellin, Ken & Kathy Smizinski, Len Vinyard, Liz Werth and Jim & Jane Wilson.
