Ardel Oswald Kratz

Ardel Oswald Kratz, 88, formerly of New Athens, Illinois, a resident of Caseyville, Illinois, Born November 20, 1925 in Biddleborn, Illinois, passed away on Saturday, August 23, 2014 at St. Elizabeth Hospital, Belleville, Illinois

Ardel was the owner and operator Ardel’s Auto Sales in New Athens, Illinois for many years. He was a member of St. John United Church of Christ, New Athens, Illinois. He was served in WW II, in the United States Army. Ardel was a loving husband, father grandfather and great grandfather.

Ardel was preceded in death by his parents, Philip and Margaret, nee Heintz, Kratz; brother, Elmer Kratz and an infant sister, Arwilla Kratz.

Surviving are his loving and devoted wife of 71 years, Mattie, nee Stermon, Kratz who he married on January 23, 1943 in Prairieville, Illinois; son, Michael Kratz of Pueblo, Colorado and Dorothy (Ken) Doetsch of Glen Arm, Illinois; grandchildren, Karri Kratz, Michelle Kratz, Christopher Doetsch and Heather (Brandon) Kruep; great grandchildren, Logan Kruep and Lilly Kruep; nephew, Jeffrey (Missy) Thornton.

Memorials in Ardel’s memory may be made to the donor’s choice. Online condolences may be expressed to the family at www.valhallagardensandfuneralhome.com

Visitation: friends may call from 9 to 11 a.m. on Wednesday, September 3, 2014 at Valhalla Gaerdner Holten Funeral Home. Belleville, Illinois.

Funeral: A memorial Service will be held at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, September 3, 2014 at the funeral home with Pastor Robert F. Koch officiating.

Inurnment in Valhalla Gardens of Memory will be held privately.

Valhalla Gaerdner Holten Funeral Home, Belleville, Illinois.