Owen A. Kratz, 90, passed away peacefully at home Monday, August 2, 2021. He was born September 21, 1930. Residing in Lansdale, Pa. his whole life, Owen very much enjoyed local history and was especially knowledgeable regarding the train and trolley systems in the area. He often shared stories about past businesses, schools, and residences in his hometown from when he himself was a young boy. Owen also loved going to car shows as well as frequently socializing with his friends on Saturday mornings at local restaurants. He especially loved the Keystone R&S Diner in Telford and grew to know the owner and staff over the years.
Owen loved all animals, especially Baxter, his neighbor’s dog. He was loved by his neighbors on Oakland Avenue and often shoveled snow, helped take care of their pets, and generally watched over his neighborhood as best as he could. He sincerely enjoyed helping people.
In his professional life, Owen worked for North Penn Water Authority for over 50 years. Even after officially “retiring” from his position, he still stayed on to help maintain their grounds a few days a week for several more years.
Owen is survived by his beloved wife of 70 years, Marianne (Luther) Kratz. Additionally, he is survived by his son, Richard Kratz (Sue), daughter Ellen Kratz, son Timothy Kratz, and daughter Elizabeth Greim. He was also a loving and generous Pop-Pop to his grandchildren and great-grandchildren: Megan Galeone, Avery Hand, Aidan Greim, Luke Greim, Cody Greim, Grace Kahmer, and Griffin Kahmer. Owen is preceded in death by his mother, Elsie (Gibson) Kratz and father, Frederick Kratz.
A service will be held on Saturday, August 7, 2021, at Simcox-McIlvaine Funeral Home, 532 E. Main Street, in Lansdale from 10am to 12pm. Burial will immediately follow at Whitemarsh Cemetary in Horsham, PA. And, in true Owen fashion, a reception will follow at Keystone R&S Diner in Telford at 1:30pm. All are invited to attend.
What a good guy Owen was. He treated me like one of his own and looked out for me as well as everyone else on the street. He and Baxter had a special live affair. Baxter was always so excited to see Owen and get some spoiling in. You never know what kind of neighbors you will get but I won the lottery there for sure. Thanks for many years of friendship. Rest easy Owen, you deserve it. Love Kathy
Owen Kratz was Very, Very Special to Us…We have been his next door neighbor for 40 Years..We Love him & his Sweet Wife Marianne. Owen always doing special things for all us neighbors, bringing our trash cans up from the curb on trash day..& I myself was so spoiled by this Awesome man..he also brought my Reporter Paper up inside my door every single morning…rain or shine..So I didn’t have to go out of the house…as well as he did for the Nuns across the street..who adored him enough to let him take care of their birds when they were away…Believe me..he is in Heaven the minute he took his last breath…😇 My husband Mike & him would have good chats..when out doing the lawn..We will miss him Soooo Much..he knows We Loved him.. ❤️❤️❤️ Rest In Peace !!! Owen…Sincerely, MIKE & DEBBIE BLASETTI..
Mr. Kratz was a kind and interesting person. He would meet up with my late husband and friends for coffee and breakfast. He always had an interesting story to tell and his memory was remarkable. Bruce would look up newspaper articles on his stories and found it to be exact, even if it was 60 years plus.
I like to think they are both now having breakfast together once again.
Prayers and healing energy to the entire Kratz family during this difficult time. He is free.
The Wrigley Family