Richard Dean Kratz, 86, of Rolling Prairie, IN, died July 15, 2014, at his home.
He was born July 10, 1928, in New Carlisle, IN, to Fredrick and Katherine Marie (Zugel) Kratz.
Richard was a U.S. Navy veteran, having served his country honorably from 1948-1952. He was a member of American Legion Post 297, serving as post commander from 1957-1958.
On April 23, 1953, in LaPorte, he married Phyllis J. (Wellinski) Kratz, who preceded him in death on May 9, 2014.
Surviving are his children, Kristine Marie Bodie and Richard F. Kratz, both of LaPorte; two sisters, Katherine Blasko of South Bend, IN, and Margretie Williams of Mishawaka, IN; and one brother, Kenneth Kratz of Hudson Lake, IN.
A Celebration of Life Service will be held at 3 p.m. Saturday, July 19, at Cutler Funeral Home and Cremation Center, LaPorte. Visitation will be Saturday from 1 p.m. until the service. Burial with full military honors will follow the service at New Carlisle Cemetery.
Memorial contributions may be directed to the family of Richard Kratz, c/o Kristine Bodie, 2900 Monroe St., LaPorte, IN 46350.
Messages of condolence may be posted below on WNLP, as well as at www.cutlerfuneralhome.com.