A small town family: Friends, community members come together to support Kracht

GRUNDY CENTER- It’s been a long month for the Kracht family.

Since Shawn Kracht suffered a stroke early in July, he’s been on the road to recovery in Waterloo after an initial life flight to Iowa City. The family has been grateful for all of the support they’ve received, and a group led by Landmark Bistro Owner Jill Krausman and Brian Buhrow has arranged a benefit to be held this Thursday at the Landmark, with a free will donation offering and a cash bar that will go straight to helping the Krachts with expenses incurred. Due to the COVID-19 situation, carside delivery will also be available.

“I know having a business and running a business is sometimes overwhelming, and we’ve shared that with each other before. Then to put this on top of it, in the whole scheme of things, is just way beyond what I could imagine, what she’s going through,” Krausman said of Natalie Kracht, her longtime friend and Shawn’s wife. “I just knew that I personally wanted to do something… I knew, as a community, as the Landmark and being neighbors with her, we definitely wanted to do something.”

The event, which is scheduled from 4:30 to 9:00 p.m., will include pulled pork sandwiches, chips and beans with a cash bar, a silent auction and a live musical performance from Jeff Hawk and Chris Buck (as Zenwalrus). Donations can be made at GNB, Green Belt Bank, the Landmark and the Natural Grind, Natalie’s business.

Krausman has appreciated the Kracht family’s friendship since they became business owners and the way that they’ve supported each other without ever feeling competitive.

Natalie Kracht, who also serves as the Chamber-Main Street Director for Grundy Center, told The Grundy Register that while it can be difficult to accept outside help in a time of need, she’s been overwhelmed by the outpouring of local support for Shawn throughout his recovery.

“It’s absolutely mind boggling, and it’s very humbling… It’s difficult to accept things, too, because you’re not used to being on this side of things,” she said. “I can’t think of one person in Grundy Center who hasn’t reached out to (daughter) Emerson or I or sent a card. We’re very, very blessed.”

It’s also helped her to step back and let others take charge at the Natural Grind with the help of her “most fantastic” staff who Kracht says have become her best friends. As this issue went to press, Shawn was preparing to meet with On With Life, a network of care facilities that specifically caters to individuals who are recovering from brain injuries, to determine if he would be a good candidate for the program.

And until they know where the road will lead them next, the Krachts are living life one step at a time, one day at a time.

“God got you through this before, and he’ll bring you through this again,” Natalie said. “That’s what life has taught me the most is that I can prepare for tomorrow but not live in this constant state of worry, because God provides.”