Kradel

Our beloved mother, Donna Kradel, who was born in Butler, July 21, 1925, passed away with her three sons by her side, in Philadelphia, Aug. 21, 2008, at the age of 83. We will remember her forever.

Donna was a longtime resident of New Jersey, where she raised her family with her first husband, the late David C. Miller. Donna returned to Butler, which she always called her hometown, when in 1985 she married the late Paul F. Kradel Sr.

Donna will be remembered by many as a devoted mother, wife and a true friend. Donna loved to cook, bake and entertain friends and family. Her holiday feasts were legendary, and she always had room at her table for one more.

She was a longtime member of St. Mark's Lutheran Church, where she also taught Sunday School for many years.

Donna loved to play bridge, and more than one group of girls will be one chair short due to her passing. Donna and Paul were longtime participants in the Esquire Club.

Donna wore many hats during her working years, from being a clerk at Troutman's Department Store, a secretary at Armco, a teachers aide in Howell Township, N.J., and a bookkeeper for Salmon Insurance in Wall, N.J.

Donna and Paul traveled widely during their 20-plus years together, and she loved any time she could spend at the shore. She always said that she was meant to be a beach bum.

In addition to her two late husbands, Donna was preceded in her journey by her parents, William J. and Jean Collins Sr.; her sisters, Betty Patten and Virginia C. Cullinan; and her brothers, William J. Collins Jr. and Robert T. Collins.

She is survived by her three sons and their wives, David C. Miller II and Sarah Miller of Long Branch, N.J., William H. Miller and Margarita Miller of Leonardo, N.J., and Thomas J. Miller and Young Miller of Philadelphia, and her "niece" Katie McGinty, "the daughter she always wanted." Also missing her will be several nieces and nephews; the children of her second husband, Dr. Paul F. Kradel Jr., Rodger Kradel, Patti Kradel and Susan Kradel; and several step-grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

<B>KRADEL</B> — Visitation for Donna Kradel, who died Thursday, Aug. 21, 2008, will be from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. Tuesday at the <B>Thompson Miller Funeral Home</B>, 124 E. North St., with funeral services at 11 a.m. Wednesday with the Rev. Dr. Alden Towberman of St. Mark's Evangelical Lutheran Church officiating. Interment will follow at the Butler CountyMemorial Park.Information and a private guest book are available at www.thompson-miller.com.