[Congressional Record Volume 150, Number 7 (Wednesday, January 28, 2004)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E61-E62]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                   HONORING THE LIFE OF BILL L. KRATZ

                                 ______
                                 

                            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.

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  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.

                          ____________________