Gary L. Kratz

1947 ∼ 2012

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Gary L. Kratz, 64, of Kerrville, was born, October, 9, 1947 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin to Otto and Leah Kratz and passed away September 1, 2012 in The Colony, Texas. A gathering of friends and family to celebrate Gary's life will be held on Saturday, September 8, from 3-5:00 p.m. at Claybar Kelley-Watkins Funeral Home in Beaumont.

Gary graduated from the University of Wisconsin with a degree in chemistry and retired from his plant manager job after over 40 years with BASF in Beaumont. A longtime resident of Beaumont, he and his wife, Kathy retired to Kerrville. Gary enjoyed woodworking, making furniture and traveling. He loved reading and "debating" with his children and enjoying his Great Dane, Sophie.

He is survived by his wife, Kathy of Kerrville; children, James Kratz and wife, Cathy of Round Rock; Lisa Kratz and husband, Rodger Shaffer of The Colony, Kelly McCraine and husband, Dave of Lafayette, LA, Eddie Kratz and wife, Natalia of Lewisville, Beth Kratz of Beaumont, and Chris Bennett and wife, Jennifer of San Antonio; 12 grandchildren, Greyson and Breeanna Kratz; Emily Grace Kratz; Boston, McKenzy, Meaghen and Mallorie Shaffer; Blaine and Caden Bennett; and Daniel, Kyle and Will McCraine; brother and sister-in-law, Daniel and Anne Kratz; niece, Jessica Sims and husband, Jeff and great-nephew, Xander Sims of Portland, Oregon; Kathy's brothers and sisters Maureen, Eileen, Michael, Pat, Mary and Joseph and their families.

Condolences

Anonymous September 9, 2012

Kathy, You and the "kids" will be in our thoughts and prayers for the days ahead. My brother offered Mass again yesterday for Gary and all of you. Gary was a such a loving caring man. I'm sure that he will be watching over all of you. We loved him as we d##imported-begin##Bill & Joan Hickey##imported-end##

Anonymous September 6, 2012

I worked with Gary in Beaumont for 12 years and regularly enjoyed our conversations and friendship. My deepest sympathy to all of his family.##imported-begin##Bill Drum##imported-end##

Anonymous September 6, 2012

Gary was a very special friend to us. We will greatly miss him. Always loved his laugh, and gentleness. Truly a wonderful man.##imported-begin##Dick & Pat O'Connor##imported-end##

Anonymous September 5, 2012

Our deepest condolence for your loss. We will miss you. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Wolfgang and Feinan##imported-begin##Wolfgang Freund##imported-end##

Anonymous September 5, 2012

Kathy, I am so sorry to hear of your loss. I feel priviledged to have known your caring, kind and gentle husband. He always made me feel like I was part of the family. I will pray for comfort for you and the children in the days to come. May God Bles##imported-begin##Randy Gallier##imported-end##

Anonymous September 5, 2012

Our thoughts and prayers are with the Kratz family. We are so sorry for your loss. With deepest sympathy, The Terry Family##imported-begin##Brandi Terry##imported-end##

Anonymous September 5, 2012

My condolences and deepest sympathy.##imported-begin##Trib Mittra##imported-end##

Anonymous September 5, 2012

Chris and I remember all the good time s from Semi-Woks and the company picnics with Bingo.##imported-begin##Frank S. Kopta##imported-end##

Anonymous September 5, 2012

So very sorry to read of Gary's death. Know that Robert and I are thinking of you and the family.##imported-begin##Bonnie Madden##imported-end##

Anonymous September 5, 2012

To the Kratz Family, Sorry to hear of the passing of such a great man. You're in our thoughts and prayers.##imported-begin##Kathleen Dooley White##imported-end##

Anonymous September 5, 2012

Kathy, we're so sorry for your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you at the time.##imported-begin##Kathy & Don Johnson##imported-end##

Anonymous September 4, 2012

My deepest condolences go out to the Kratz family. Prayers go out for the Lord to wrap you up in his arms for comfort as you journey through your grief. Gary is gone too soon - thankfully he is out of pain now though. Sincerely - Magi##imported-begin##Magi Brettler##imported-end##

Anonymous September 4, 2012

My deepest condolences to the Kratz family. I worked with Gary at Velsicol/Sandoz/BASF for many years. He was a good man and a good work associate. May he rest in peace.##imported-begin##Don Jeffcoat##imported-end##

Anonymous September 4, 2012

So very sorry for your loss. Our thought's and prayers are with you!##imported-begin##Richard Murray Jr.##imported-end##

Anonymous September 4, 2012

I was very sorry to hear of Gary's passing. We worked together for 25 years from the "Wild West" of the old Velsicol Semi-Works, to BASF....and he was a great co-worker, then boss, and always a great friend. I will miss him.##imported-begin##Bob Grissom##imported-end##

Anonymous September 4, 2012

My thoughts and prayers are with your family, I know how hard it must be. You will be missed Poppa Bear! You were an amazing man...##imported-begin##Heather##imported-end##

Anonymous September 4, 2012

Dear Kathy, I am so sorry for the lost of a good man,father, husband and friend. I always consider you guys as part of our soccer family and avid supporter of Central High School. May your children stay strong knowing they were loved by two very specia##imported-begin##Liz Sandell##imported-end##

Anonymous September 4, 2012

To Gary's family: It's strange that we hadn't met in years past. Gary was my first lab partner at Velsicol when I joined the company in 1973. Though he soon departed for Texas, we still had many occasions over the years to see one another. We did some wo##imported-begin##Gerry Schmelebeck##imported-end##