Lois K. (Krause) Horky

WATERBURY:  Lois K. Horky, 90, of Waterbury, entered peaceful rest while surrounded by the love of her family on Sept. 10 in Waterbury Hospital, where she was born on Nov. 20, 1934.  The widow of Fritz Peter Horky, Lois was the daughter of the late Richard and Meta (Piel) Krause.

Raised in Prospect and a graduate of Crosby High School in Waterbury, Lois attended Wagner College in New York and worked in various office jobs before returning to school to attain a teaching degree from what is now Southern Connecticut State University. She spent most of her 22-year career teaching science at Great Oak Middle School in Oxford and co-facilitated a program for non-traditional learners.  She and her former husband, Hans Kraemer, raised their two sons, Michael and Paul, in Oxford where Lois was active as a cub scout den mother, beloved neighborhood friend and member of a camping club with other Valley families.

Lois was proud of her heritage and was active in German Clubs in Bridgeport and Shelton, where she met (Fritz) Peter Horky. After marrying during a trip to Hawaii, they made that one of their regular travel destinations. After retiring, they moved to Florida for 25 years and their travel adventures continued to include African safaris; various cruises; vacations in Aruba, Yellowstone, upstate New York and Utah; and visits to Austria, Germany and Key West.

Lois’ greatest joys were spending time with relatives and friends — from Piel family picnics and holiday gatherings to dancing with her beloved Peter.  Kind, generous, strong, practical and independent, Lois was always there to help others — from grandchildren to her church community and volunteering at a food pantry. Known for her homemade meals and specialty birthday cakes, she also enjoyed sewing, reading, crossword puzzles and keeping up on news and politics.

Lois is survived by her “kid” sister Eileen Martin, daughter-in-law Diane Ploch, grandchildren Emma Kraemer, Ryan Kraemer and Semmler Plucinik; stepchildren Christian Horky and Evelyn Judge; niece Christine and her husband Clif Fisher and great nephew Farrest; nephews Neoklis Martin, Jr. and wife Heather and family, Mark Krause and Brian Krause and family, and many beloved cousins and friends.

In addition to her parents and Peter, among those who predeceased Lois are sons Michael Kraemer and Paul Kraemer, brother Richard Krause and several special cousins, including Doris Hollenstein, Carl Piel, Edward Piel and Edna McNulty.

Lois and Peter were generous to a number of charities, especially veteran-related organizations. Donations in Lois’ memory may be made to Tunnel to Towers or an organization of choice.

Calling hours will take place on Thursday, October 9, 2025 from 5 pm to 6:30 pm with a memorial service at 6:30pm  at Prospect Memorial/ The /Palmerie Family Funeral Home, 122 Waterbury Rd. Prospect.  Interment will be at the convenience of the family.  Prospect Memorial/ The Palmerie Family Funeral Home is honored to be entrusted with the arrangements and invites you to share your memories, photos and condolences on Lois tribute wall on this website.

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