Gerald Kratz

Gerald Arthur Kratz, 91, of Rochester, MN passed away peacefully on May 22, 2024 at the Dove Healthcare Center in Eau Claire, WI under the care of Mayo Hospice.

Gerald (Jerry) and his twin brother Howard were born December 7, 1932 in Cresco, Iowa to Deno and Elsie (Hopperstad) Kratz. Howard passed away shortly after birth.

Jerry was raised in a farming family and graduated from Cresco High School. He joined the U.S. Air Force in June of 1952, and achieved the rank of Staff Sergeant. He served with the 18th Fighter Interceptor squadron in Fairbanks, Alaska, in 1954. His tour of duty ended in 1956. He excelled in his initial training, and later received advanced electrical and engineering schooling. He studied at the Aeronautical Division of the Minneapolis-Honeywell Regulator Co. for aeronautical control equipment. He subsequently studied electronic controls for automated systems through DeVry Technical Institute in Illinois.

He worked for Gopher Aviation in Rochester, MN. He began work at IBM in Rochester in 1960 and retired in 1990 after 30 years.

On March 11, 1961 he married Shirley C. Krahulec and adopted her two daughters. They were married for 32 years. Shirley passed away on December 8, 1993.

Jerry met Lila Swanson at church. They were inseparable for 24 years, until she passed on April 17, 2019.

Jerry enjoyed woodworking, travel, golf, fishing, classic cars and the company of friends and family. He was active in his community and volunteered with various activities and organizations. He was a member of the Kiwanis Club, and the Veterans of the Korean War.

He is preceded in death by his wife Shirley (Krahulec) Kratz, his parents Deno and Elsie; his twin brother Howard, brothers Jerome and Marvin, and great-great grandson Alden Holte. In addition to his dear friend and longtime companion Lila Swanson.

Jerry is survived by daughters Deborah (Bill Rogers) Christensen, Barbara (Dale) Nichols, son Michael (Jane) Kratz; grandsons Matthew (Nikki) Berger and Ben Berger, Wesley Christensen, and Sean Kratz, granddaughter Jay Kratz; great-granddaughter Brittany (Jason Holte) Berger, great-great-grandsons Christopher Berger, Jameson and Grayson Holte.

We will miss his warmth, generosity, and laughter, as well as his wry sense of humor.

Condolences are welcome through Ranfranz and Vine Funeral Home.

A private burial will be held at the Byron Cemetery.

A Celebration of Life will be held at Ranfranz and Vine Funeral Home, 5421 Royal Place NW, Rochester, on Saturday, June 15, 2024, between 12-2pm.

Ranfranz and Vine Funeral Home is honored to be serving the Kratz family. To share a special memory or condolence, please visit www.ranfranzandvinefh.com