Honoring the Life of Bill L. Kratz

HONORING THE LIFE OF BILL L. KRATZ-HON. SAM GRAVES (Extensions of Remarks - January 28, 2004)

HON. SAM GRAVES
OF MISSOURI
IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 28, 2004

Mr. GRAVES. Mr. Speaker, I have the honor today to recognize the life of Bill L. Kratz, who unexpectedly passed away on January 25, 2004. As a husband, father, Christian, and public servant, Mr. Kratz will be missed by many.

A life-long resident of Missouri, Bill Kratz was born on May 12, 1938, in Shelbyville, Missouri. On September 17, 1961, Bill married Patricia Lohman, and they settled in Independence, Missouri. They had two children, Dana and Keith, and eight grandchildren. Mr. Kratz served in the National Guard from 1961 to 1966 and was also employed by General Motors, from which he retired in 1989. After retirement, Mr. Kratz took an active role in the community by serving on the planning commission for the city of Independence since 2000 and assisted in the 2000 census.

Mr. Kratz was also active in his church, Messiah Lutheran Church, serving as an elder, chairman of the Adult and Family Board, chairman of the Board of Social Ministry, vice president of the congregation, and president of the congregation.

I offer my condolences to his wife, Patricia; children, Dana and Keith; and their families. In this time of sorrow, may the thoughts and prayers of friends and family comfort them and may his memory bring them peace.