Gerald was born on May 5, 1942 in Ripon to Gordon and Esther (nee Missall) Kratz. He graduated from Beaver Dam High School in 1960. On June 5, 1963, he was united in marriage to Ruth Karl at First Ev. Lutheran Church in Beaver Dam. He was a member of First Ev. Lutheran Church, where he ushered for 47 years. Before retiring in 1998, Gerald worked at John Deere in Horicon for 33 years. He was a member of the IAM Local 873 union in Horicon.

Gerald was a outdoorsman, enjoying camping, hunting, fishing and gardening. He collected gun shell cartridges and antique ammunition boxes. He was also a member of the Horicon Marsh Bowmen Club. Gerald frequently socialized with his neighbors and found pleasure in sharing the fruits of his garden with them. His pets were important to him, and he enjoyed spending time with his family, including his extended family and of course, his beloved grandchildren.

Gerald is survived by his wife, Ruth of Beaver Dam; his two children, Gerett (Rebecca) Kratz and Khristian (Dan Booth) Allar, both of Beaver Dam; his grandchildren, Tristan, Pallin and Grant; his grandpuppies, Chewey and Charlie; his brother-in-laws, Ervin (Lorretta) Karl of Beaver Dam, Paul (Evelyn) Karl of Beaver Dam and Elmer (Cheryl) Karl of Cambria; and his sister-in-law, Beatrice (Don) Rohde of Batavia, IL. He is further survived by nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, other relatives and friends.

Gerald was preceded in death by his parents, one sister in infancy, paternal grandparents, Fred and Julie Mae (nee Rockefeller) Kratz of Montello, and maternal grandparents, Charles and Emma (nee Klatt) Missall of Marquette.

A Funeral Service for Gerald will be held on Wednesday, December 8, 2010 at 1:00 p.m. at Cornerstone Funeral & Cremation Services, 135 Keller Blvd, Beaver Dam with Rev. Mark Jensen officiating. Visitation will also take place on Wednesday prior to the service beginning at 11:00 a.m. at the funeral home. Burial will take place immediately after the service at Oakwood Cemetery, Beaver Dam with a luncheon to follow back at the funeral home.

Cornerstone Funeral & Cremation Services in Beaver Dam is honored to be serving the family.

Click HERE to view Gerald's Life Tribute Video.