[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 149 (2003), Part 2]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 2294]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]



[[Page 2294]]

                          EXTENSIONS OF REMARKS

                 A TRIBUTE IN HONOR OF DR. GERALD KRATZ

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. NICK SMITH

                              of michigan

                    in the house of representatives

                        Friday, January 31, 2003

  Mr. SMITH of Michigan. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor and 
remember educator, legislator, community leader and friend, Dr. Gerald 
Kratz, Dr. Kratz died at his home in Grass Lake, Michigan on January 
28, 2003, only 29 days into his first term as a State Representative. 
His constituents and the State of Michigan have lost a man of integrity 
who was a true champion of education and community service.
  Graduating in 1955 from Wayne State University with Bachelor of 
Science degrees in Social Studies and Art, Jerry began his career as an 
art teacher. He advanced to administration after completing a Master's 
degree in Education and a Doctorate of Education in curriculum 
development. His career in education administration spanned three 
decades, starting in 1972 as superintendent of the Novi Community 
School District for 8 years, and then serving as Superintendent for 
Curriculum and Personnel Relations for Southfield Public Schools. In 
1973, Dr. Kratz became an adjunct professor at Eastern Michigan 
University. In 1980, he became the Superintendent of the Jackson County 
Intermediate School District where he was a tireless supporter of 
education, and championed the needs of special education students 
throughout Jackson County. Enthusiastic about his new role as a 
legislator, Dr. Kratz had already crafted legislation to benefit 
education and the students of the State of Michigan. His passion for 
education will forever be memorialized by the Dr. Gerald B. Kratz 
Education Center on the campus of the Jackson Intermediate School 
District, and through the Jerry Kratz Scholarship Fund at Jackson 
Community College.
  Jerry's commitment to public service was evident in the many 
community organizations he tirelessly supported. He volunteered 
countless hours with the Jackson-Hillsdale branch of the American Red 
Cross, many of which were spent raising money for local disaster relief 
projects as part of the Star Search Committee. He was dedicated to 
serving those who are all too often overlooked, providing 
transportation for disabled veterans, driving them to the VA hospital 
in Ann Arbor, and serving on the Board of Directors of the Dove 
Counseling Clinic, which provides mental health care to the needy, and 
was a supporter of the pro-life movement. A positive role model for our 
youth, he volunteered his time with the Great Sauk Trail Boy Scout 
Council, serving as Vice President of Finance. Jerry was also active 
with the Rotary, Jaycees, Kiwanis, and served as an Extraordinary 
Minister of his Church. Committed to business and economic development, 
he served on the Economic Opportunity Commission, the Private Industry 
Council, and the local Chamber of Commerce.
  Most important to Jerry was his family. With his wife of 44 years, 
Eleanor, Jerry had four children: Kevin, a veterinarian; Kurt, a 
doctor; Kim, a health care administrator; and Kent, a teacher. Jerry 
also took great pride in his seven grandchildren.
  Jerry will be missed by the countless individuals whose lives he 
touched with his boundless enthusiasm and passion for helping others.

                          ____________________