W. Robert Kratz

W. Robert Kratz, 89, of Evansville, Indiana, passed away on Tuesday, July 17, 2007.

Robert, known fondly as Bob, was born July 26, 1917, in Michigan, but resided his whole life in Evansville, where Kratz relatives had settled in the mid-1800s.

Bob was preceded in death by his parents, Christian R. Kratz and Leona Gilberta (Carr) Kratz; and his sister, Ella Crofts.

Following graduation from Bosse High School in 1935, Bob attended Evansville College, and during WWII, he did defense work in Washington D.C. In early 1950s, he was a founding partner and later became president of Master Tool & Die Inc., until the partners sold the business in 1997.

Bob attended St. Johns United Church of Christ, where he was a lifelong member and a past trustee and officer. During his free time, Bob had been a member of Hadi Shrine; the Evansville Kennel Club; the Ancient Accepted Scottish Rite; Lessing Lodge; the Masons, where he held a 32nd degree; the Society of Manufacturing Engineers; a past president of the Evansville Chapter of the National Tool, Die & Precision Machining Association; and a former member of the Evansville Country Club, where he was a passionate golfer for decades.

In his youth, Bob flew his plane, sailed on the Ohio River with his older brother, Chris, and was a ham radio operator. Over the years, Bob also enjoyed traveling and visiting his family and friends.

He is survived by his devoted wife of sixty years, Norma (Taylor) Kratz; a daughter, Deborah Freeman and her husband, W. Randall Freeman of Naperville, Ill.; son, Charles R. Kratz of Lander, Wyo.; grandchildren, Nathaniel Kratz, Nora Kratz, Michael Freeman and Lindsay Freeman; brother, Christian E. Kratz; sister, Mary Elizabeth Osborn; and many nieces and nephews.

Services 11 a.m. Saturday, July 21, 2007, at Alexander East Chapel, officiated by Reverend John Branam, entombment at Locust Hill Mausoleum. Friends may visit Friday from 4 to 8 p.m. and Saturday from 9 a.m. to service time at the funeral home.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Shriners Hospital for Children, P.O. Box 1, Evansville, IN 47701; St. Johns UCC, 314 Market St., Evansville, IN 47708; or the Good Samaritan Home, 601 N. Boeke Rd., Evansville, IN 47711. Condolences may be made online at www.mem.com. Arrangements by Alexander East Chapel, 2115 Lincoln Avenue.