Today, the 2nd anniversary of Dr. Kratz's passing, I reflect upon his role in my life as a pastor, as a mentor, as a friend. I met Dr. Kratz while doing an internship at the Disciples of Christ offices in Des Moines. He showed me the nitty-gritty of assembling a newspaper and I learned much from him and the others in the office. I was going through a spiritual crisis, and he guided me (probably unwittingly) on a better path. He led by example--a great example. I will never forget Dr. Kratz. 

Jim was a dedicated volunteer at Food Bank of Iowa and he (along with Pat) helped me greatly when I first started working for the organization. His time was spent delivering BackPack sacks to schools to benefit the children in our community and he gave us great insight on how to do this efficiently. It was an honor to know him and work with him. 

Jim  was my minister as a child, over fifty years ago, in Clear Lake.  The Kratz  family were also  great friends to my parents and siblings.  I remember asking him a question at a vacation bible school, one year. The question was, “who made God”.  That next Sunday, his sermon was titled “ who made God”!  I wish I had a transcript of that one.  He will be missed .

I only met Jim once, when Tim was hospitalized in Atlanta. I came to visit Tim and there he was with his sweetheart of 59 years by his side. I saw a kind and loving man who loved his family. I met a man with a tender and inviting countenance that invited you in if you wanted to engage. He had a gentle sense of humor and his presence filled the room with peace and acceptance.
We should all be as kind, loving and accepting as this man of faith, man of family, man of community man of God.

Grace & Peace My Brother.
Theron

jim’s guidance was gentle (if any) but the old english teacher in him would discuss books and, in his last week, he gave me pointed advice about TYPEE:  “life’s too short for melville and his lengthy and often violent descriptions. no one needs to know that much about sharks.” sounds right. easy goodbye to TYPEE. life is too short. thanks for the nudge, mr kratz! 

Pat and family! I was so sorry to hear of Jim's passing. I remember Jim as the most caring minister, and as I saw him as a kid. The gentle giant. I still wish to this day that he could've married me in 1999.  He always took time to listen and nurture me. I was blessed to grow up in Glen Echo Christian church as my pastor. May God wrap his arms around you all during this difficult time!
Missy (browne) nelton

Pat and Kratz family. We began attending Glen Echo in the summer of 1978 under Jim's caring, loving ministry.  Scott was 7 and Missy 3.  They grew up in the church.  Jim married Scott for his first marriage held at WDM Christian.  Missy was married at Glen Echo in 1998. We also lived up the street from Jim & Pat. We were Blessed.  Please know we are all thinking about you and holding you close in prayers for peace and comfort in your hearts.  Marlin, Sharon, Scott & Missy.

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James Kratz

23 juillet 1935 – 28 février 2020

McLaren’s Resthaven Chapel & Mortuary & Resthaven Cemetery

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