Gary Kratzer's Obituary
Gary Kratzer, 76 of Plano passed away Wednesday, August 21, 2019 at Mercy Medical Center in Centerville. Gary was born on June 5, 1943 in Centerville, Iowa to Wendell & Mary (Morris) Kratzer. He received his education from Seymour High School, graduating in 1961. Gary was united in marriage to Martha Haines at Grace Tabernacle Baptist Church on July 5, 1964. To this union came three children: Dianne, Bryan and Tim. Gary was a farmer the majority of his life and also drove a truck for Hy-Vee, L&W Quarry and Young's Liquid Grow. After retiring from trucking, Gary began to buy and sell tractors. He was a proud member of the Plowboy Antique Tractor Club, enjoyed driving his tractors, riding his Harley-Davidson Trike and researching the Coal Mines of Appanoose County. Gary and Martha enjoyed caring for their Bee hives and producing honey. Gary owned two planes and began his flight instructor class and almost obtained his VFR certificate before his health cut him short. Gary was a loving husband, father, grandfather and a faithful Christian. Survivors include his wife, Martha Kratzer, three children: Dianne Peterson (T.J.), Bryan Kratzer (Becki), Tim Kratzer (Michelle), five grandchildren, sister, Janice Ver Steegt (Dale), a niece, and numerous extended family. He was preceded in death by his parents. Funeral service will be 11:00 am, Tuesday, August 27, 2019 at Lighthouse Church of the Nazarene in Moravia with Rev. Terry Chapman officiating. Interment will immediately follow at Haines Cemetery. Visitation will be from 5-7 pm, Monday, August 26, 2019 at Thomas Funeral Home in Centerville. Memorials may be given to EveryStep Hospice or Gideons International. Condolences may be shared at www.thomasfh.com or facebook.com/thomasfuneralhome. To send flowers or a memorial gift to the family of Gary Kratzer please visit our Sympathy Store. Cemetery Details Haines Cemetery Hwy 5 & 470th Street
Centerville, IA 52544 Visitation AUG 26. 5:00 PM - 7:00 PM (CDT) Thomas Funeral Home - Centerville 501 North 18th StreetCenterville, IA 52544[emailprotected] Funeral Service AUG 27. 11:00 AM (CDT) Lighthouse Church of the Nazarene 405 Myra LaneMoravia, IA 52571
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