Gerard Francis "Jerry" Kratzberg

Gerard Francis “Jerry” Kratzberg, 80, of Fort Smith passed from this life on June 28, 2013 in Fort Smith. Jerry was born October 10, 1932 in Greeley, Kansas. He grew up on the family farm, east of Greeley, Kansas. His parents were Harold Joseph Kratzberg and Margaret Philomena (Landwehr) Kratzberg. He was of the Catholic faith. He married Thelma Lorraine Riblett on May 27, 1954 in Iola, Ks and they were happily married for almost 60 years. He was a paratrooper with the 82nd Airborne division of the United States Army. He was fiercely independent and protecting and providing for his family was at the top of his list. He was very ambitious and a hard worker, unfortunately his earthly body failed long before his mind or will. He was involved in the construction of many earth-moving projects and enjoyed reshaping the land. He did earth moving work on the Interstate Highway System and the McClellan-Kerr Arkansas River Navigation System among others. He liked to garden, hunt, and trap shoot. He liked travel and welcomed new adventures. He also enjoyed auto racing and was instrumental in the forming of Southwest Speed Incorporated. He is survived by his wife Thelma of the home; his son Donnie Kratzberg and wife Peggy of Fort Smith; and two grandchildren Anthony Joseph “AJ” Kratzberg and wife Katie, and Karrie Michelle Kratzberg; and his great granddaughter Allie Kate Kratzberg; his sister Lois Jeannette (Kratzberg) Miller of Idaho Falls, ID: and a brother Ronald Harold Kratzberg of Emporia, KS; Sister-in-law Elsie Kratzberg of Greeley, Ks: Brother-in-law Loren Eugene Riblett and wife Rosella of Salina, Ks: Brother-in-law Oscar Gene Riblett of Wichita, Ks: and many nieces & nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents and two brothers Nicholas John Kratzberg and Donald Raymond Kratzberg. Funeral services will be Wednesday July 3rd at 10:00AM at Edwards Funeral Chapel with Father John McDougal officiating. He will be laid to rest immediately after at the U.S. National Cemetery in Fort Smith, Arkansas. A visitation will be held at Edward’s Funeral Home Tuesday evening July 2nd from 5:00PM to 7:00PM. Memorials may be made to St. Boniface Catholic Church 1820 North B Fort Smith, AR 72901. To sign an online guestbook visit www.edwardsfuneralhome.com.