As a teenager, he heard the call to duty and enlisted in the United States Air Force so that he could see the world. Though he never made it further than Oklahoma, it was there that he found a home for himself in the loving arms of Edna L. Blosch, with whom he spent 55 and a half blessed years. During his time with the Air Force, he was invaluable for his aircraft mechanical skills and specialized in repairing damaged planes which were brought back from Vietnam. He was awarded a Small Arms Expert Marksmanship Ribbon and in 1966 was honorably discharged as an Airman 2nd Class. Edward was incredibly humble about his military service and became a loyal member of the American Legion.
He was passionate about gardening and tended to his tomatoes, bell peppers, and more with a dedicated green thumb. Yet despite the fruits and vegetables he cultivated, he had an extreme sweet tooth which he passed on to his children. He loved to watch the Houston Astros and spent many evenings bonding with his sons while the games played on the television. His garage was his sanctuary, and he could often be found keeping watch over the street, making sure people stayed safe late at night, and teasing the neighborhood dogs with his remote controlled tank. At his heart, he was always a proper country boy who was raised to value his family, friends, and a good pair of blue jeans.
He is survived by his wife Edna L. Kraatz; children James E. Kraatz, Edward E. Kraatz, Jr., Charissa Kraatz Kirsch, and Charles O. Kraatz; grandchildren Clifford E. West II, Derek T. Kraatz, Christopher E. West, Heidi L. Kraatz, Jordan A. Kraatz, and Colby G. Kirsch; siblings Donald R. Kraatz and Helen M. Welfel. He was preceded in passing by his parents Oscar and Mary Kraatz, and his siblings Leona A. Bailey, James L. Kraatz, and Oscar A. Kraatz.
A visitation will be held in his honor on Wednesday, July 10, 2019 from 10:00 a.m. to 11:15 a.m. inside the Chapel of American Heritage Funeral Home, 10710 Veterans Memorial Drive, Houston, Texas 77038. The Celebration of Life service will commence at 11:15 a.m., after which he will be escorted to the Houston National Cemetery, 10410 Veterans Memorial Drive, Houston, Texas 77038 where he will be laid to rest and a grateful Nation will bestow him with honors.
Following the committal service, the family would like to invite Edward’s friends and loved ones to a reception held from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. in the Magnolia Room of American Heritage Funeral Home.
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