Obituary of Robert Frank Kratzke

ROBERT F. KRATZKE Robert Frank Kratzke was born to Rev. A.C. and Hulda Hoefener Kratzke on October 11, 1927 in Frazee, MN. Bob attended high school in Villard, MN and in 1944 enrolled at the University of Minnesota. In 1946, he took time from his studies to serve in the Army in Occupied Japan as a cartographer. Bob returned to the University in 1947 earning a Bachelor of Arts major in Radio Speech in 1949. He took courses in finance after graduation. On August 12, 1950 he married Irene Diersen at Zion Lutheran Church in Eitzen, MN. They lived in Minneapolis until 1952, when they moved Portland, OR. In 1953 Bob was hired by Crown Zellerbach as an accountant at CZ's San Francisco headquarters. Bob and Irene lived in Berkeley, CA, where daughter Patti was born in 1954, and son Robert in 1957. In 1960, Bob was transferred to Camas, WA. In 1963, CZ assigned Bob to computer programming, making him an early pioneer in business computing. He retired as MIS Manager and Systems Analyst in 1991. The Kratzke family have been members of St. Matthew Lutheran Church in Washougal, WA since 1960. Bob served as Secretary and Treasurer of the congregation for many years, and was Treasurer of the congregation until the time of his death. He was also involved in the Lutheran Layman's League, serving the Oregon District as Governor, Treasurer, and a board member. Both in California and in Camas, he was a delegate to LLL and church synod conventions several times. He and Irene also led St. Matthew's youth group for a time, where he was a positive influence on many young people with his quiet but assured faith, and his ever-present sense of fun. In 1965 Bob became a volunteer with Crown Camas Credit Union, including service as a volunteer member of the Board. During his decades-long tenure, the credit union expanded, and was renamed LaCamas Community Credit Union now iQ Credit Union. In 1991 Bob was named Washington State Credit Union Volunteer of the Year. He retired from the Credit Union Board this past year. Bob's hobbies included sports such as baseball, basketball and tennis. In his youth, a talent scout for the Brooklyn Dodgers tapped him for try outs. Although he did not make the team, he played in the minor leagues in Minnesota, and later in church leagues, and coached his son's Little League team in the 1960s. In his later years, he concentrated on playing golf, organizing charity tournaments as well as working on his own handicap. He is remembered by many for his intelligence, wit, and the way he treated others with grace and dignity. Wherever Bob was asked to serve his Lord and community, he did so with quiet resolve, always giving his best with little fanfare. He was a loving husband and father, and a mentor and example to many. Bob went to be with his Lord early Christmas morning. He is survived by Irene, his wife of 65 years; his children Patricia Kratzke Wendel Koegl and Robert A. Kratzke Marian Schmidt-Kratzke; granddaughter Andrea Kratzke; brothers A. William and Paul Kratzke; and many nieces and nephews who fondly remember Thanksgivings and other occasions at Uncle Bob and Aunt Irene's house. Funeral Service will be held at St. Matthew Lutheran Church, 716 Washougal River Rd, Washougal, WA 98671, on Wednesday January 6th, 2016, at 11:00 AM. For additional information, including where to send memorials, please contact Straub's Funeral Home, 360 834-4563.