In Memoriam: Jolly Krautmann (1951–2024)

Jolly Krautmann, a longtime member of the IOS, died on July 21, 2024, following a two-plus-year battle with brain cancer, her third such battle in 25 years. She was 72. Together with her husband Mark, Jolly helped establish and maintain the Oak Conservation and Research Fund, created by the IOS in 2019.

Jolly was born in Taiwan, the daughter of a civil aeronautics engineer father and a literature teacher mother, who had fled mainland China during the Communist takeover. She studied soil science in Taiwan and earned a bachelor’s degree. From there, she pursued graduate work at Texas A&M University in the United States, meeting fellow soil science student Mark Krautmann in the soil lab. They married in 1976 and moved to Oregon.

The couple founded a nursery, Heritage Seedlings, in 1982, with Jolly continuing her day job at the time as a self-taught computer systems analyst. In 1984 Jolly joined Mark in the nascent nursery business. According to Mark, it was a bold leap of faith in him, because she was doing so well in her day job. “Jolly was a natural computer programmer,” he said. “Her bug-free programming skills were legendary among her downtown peers. It was quite a job to talk her into joining me in our risky nursery start-up.”

Once Jolly and Mark were a full-time nursery pairing, there was little to limit their ambition and success. The business focused on rare and unusual seedlings, rootstock, and grafted woody plants, becoming one of the first to propagate woody landscape plants in plugs. Oaks were of special interest to them, and they joined the International Oak Society in 2006.

Mark and Jolly’s complementary skills allowed Mark to focus on the propagation in field/greenhouse ops while Jolly ran an efficient, customer-friendly office with staff. The business grew over time, eventually amassing more than 20 acres of greenhouse production and more than 2,300 acres of farmland. More than 850 acres have been given over to the preservation of oak woodlands, open prairie, wetlands, and savannas.

Jolly had a fondness for her adopted country and took pride in being a US immigrant, appreciating the warm welcome she received. She gave time and treasure to the Oregon Association of Nurseries, The Oregon Garden, her kids’ schools, and various regional charities. “Diminutive in size, Jolly was formidable in patience and determination,” said Mark. He knew that especially well, having faithfully turned their kitchen into a seed laboratory. He added, “She epitomized the words of Mother Theresa: ‘If we really want to love, we must learn how to forgive.’”

“Jolly always followed the logic and principle that to whom much is given, much is expected, and she was always so generous in her quiet charm, empathy for others, and ready smile,” Mark said. “Never drawing attention to herself, she simply did the work, helped others less fortunate with a leg up, and aimed higher every day. She kept a humble heart matched with quick wits. What a gifted life she lived and gifted in return to each of us who knew her, loved her, and savored her dignified company.”

During the IOS Tour of Oregon in 2023, Mark and Jolly hosted the participants at their farm and showed them around their oak woodland restoration project. The visit coincided with Jolly’s 72^nd birthday, and the day ended with a dinner celebration and much good cheer.

Jolly is survived by her husband, Mark, at home in McMinnville, Oregon; son and daughter-in-law Jonathan and Elizabeth, who live in Puerto Rico; daughter and son-in-law Joan Claire and David who live in Phoenix, Arizona; and five grandchildren. She also leaves the earth a greener place, planted with millions of landscape and native trees, propagated over 42 years and planted to cool the environment, provide fresh air, and grace our homes.

A Rosary and a funeral Mass was held on July 31, 2024 at Queen of Peace Catholic Church.

In lieu of flowers, Mark has asked that donations be made to the Oak Conservation and Research Fund. They can be made online at bit.ly/ConserveOaks or by check mailed to the IOS Treasurer at 2750 72nd Ave. SE, Mercer Island, WA 98040, United States.

Updated August 20, 2024