John George Kratzwald Jr.

Born December 20, 1946, John, age 76, of Louisville, passed away unexpectedly, but peacefully, on August 11, 2023.

John was a proud veteran of the United States Army, having served overseas (1969-70) as a communication specialist in Cu Chi, Vietnam. Upon his return from Vietnam, John served the United States Army Special Forces Group as a Green Beret while stationed at Fort Devens, Massachusetts.

John spent his early years playing a variety of sports with neighborhood friends (Camp Taylor) and classmates (Holy Family). He found success on the football field at Trinity High School, having been named team captain as a top performing wide receiver, graduating in 1964. John’s love of athletics inspired him into coaching, volunteering as head basketball coach at St. Helen from 1986 – 1998. John was a Quality Control Inspector at Carmen Industries, retiring after 19 years in 2013.

John’s passion for community led to him being honored recently by Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear as a Kentucky Colonel. John was a meticulous gardener, an avid reader and enjoyed traveling. John was a doting grandfather, lovingly called “Opa” and “Papa” by his grandchildren. He will be missed by all who had the pleasure of knowing him.

John was a son, brother, husband, father, grandfather, and a long-time faithful parishioner of Mary Queen of Peace Catholic Church (formerly St. Helen).

John was preceded in death by his parents, John George Kratzwald Sr., and Lillian (Bayens); nephews, Tommy Clayton and Jeff Kratzwald.

He is survived by his loving wife of 53 years, Diane (McCreary); two children, son Jason Kratzwald (Leah) and daughter Amy Warmath (Aaron); six grandchildren, Annabelle and Andrew Kratzwald, Ali, Adam, Audrey, and Alex Warmath; siblings Jerry Kratzwald (JoAnn) and sister Judy Clayton (Jerry); brothers-in-law Chuck McCreary (Connie), Ron McCreary (Donna), and Tom McCreary (Julie Dale).

John’s funeral mass will be at 10:00 AM on Tuesday, August 22nd, at Mary Queen of Peace Catholic Church, 4005 Dixie Highway, with interment to follow at Kentucky Veterans Cemetery Central in Radcliff, KY. Visitation will be on Monday, August 21st, from 2pm until 8pm at Heady-Hardy Funeral Home, 7710 Dixie Highway. The family would like to extend their appreciation to the UL Health-Mary & Elizabeth Emergency Room and ICU (Second Floor) staff for their loving care.

In lieu of flowers, donations to honor John may be made to your favorite charity.