William P. Kratz

William Philip Kratz, 86, husband of the late Ethel Louise Carr Kratz, was called home on May 21, 2013 due to complications of a single-car accident. Mr. Kratz was born in Albany, NY on November 10, 1926 to the late Ellen and Henry Kratz. Mr. Kratz served in the United States Navy between 2/13/45 – 8/22/46 where he met his lovely wife Ethel. Mr. Kratz went to Albany Business College, and worked for Friehoffer's Baking Company from 1956 until his retirement in 1987. Mr. Kratz was a dedicated member of St. Paul's Evangelical Lutheran Church where he served the Lord in numerous capacities until the day of his accident (as childcare worker, usher, handyman, welcome to newcomers, and card-sender to shut-ins ). William Kratz was a devoted Christian husband, father, brother, grandfather and great-grandfather.

Surviving William Kratz are his brother Fredrick (Yvonne) Kratz, his oldest daughter Rose-Ellen Marie (Philip) Luther, his son David William Kratz and youngest daughter, Martha Jean Kratz, granddaughter Angelique Maria Dow, and 4 great-grandchildren Eisha Dow, Ray Johnson, and Stephanie and Alisha Deer (all of Albany, NY), and a host of nieces and nephews throughout the States.

A special thank you to Hermann Kahler, Deacon Bob Fricke, Pastor Mark Mueller, and a host of friends who have eased our burdens in numerous ways.

Memorial service will be held at St. Paul's Evangelical Lutheran Church in Albany on Saturday, June 15, 2013 at 11AM, followed by a light luncheon. Ashes will be interred at a committal service ceremony at Saratoga National Cemetery on Friday, June 14, 2013 at 1:00 PM.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Organ Fund at St. Paul's Evangelical Lutheran Church in Albany.