Chieko N. Crank

Chieko N. Crank, 90, of New Baden died on Thursday, October 26, 2017, at Clinton Manor Living Center in New Baden. She was born in Yokohama, Japan on October 10, 2017. She met Jimmie R. Crank, Sr. while working as a clerical assistant on the Navy Base in Yokohama. Chieko and Jimmie were married on April 17, 1972, in Japan. He preceded her in death on March 16, 2014.

In addition to her husband, Chieko was preceded in death by her son Jimmie R. Crank, Jr.

She is survived by three daughters: Tina Smith, Nina Thacker both of Green Cove Springs, Florida, and Merrilee Crank of Lady Lake, Florida; her grandson Jeff (Patty) Smith, and two great-grandchildren, Matthew Smith and Abbey Hurst.

Mrs. Crank enjoyed cooking and loved her husband more than anything. She was very proud of the fact that she studied vigorously for her United States Citizenship which she is was awarded in 1977.

Visitation will be held on Tuesday, October 31, 2017, from 12:00 PM until 1:00 PM at Nordike Funeral Home in New Baden. A graveside service will follow at Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery in St. Louis.

Memorials made in Chieko’s memory are suggested to Heartland Hospice and will be received at Nordike Funeral Home, 15 East Hanover Street, New Baden, IL 62265.