Dorothy Agnes Kratz

Dorothy Agnes Kratz of Caro, age 95, passed away on Monday, July 17, 2023 at Heritage Hill Assisted Living with her family by her side. Dorothy was born September 7, 1927 in Akron, the daughter of the late John Henry and Leona (James) Dowker. She graduated from Akron high school with the class of 1945. On February 25, 1947, Dorothy married the love of her life, Herman G. Kratz. Their marriage was blessed with over seventy years, six children, and countless memories. Sadly, Herman passed away on March 8, 2017. Throughout life, Dorothy and Herman enjoyed traveling the U.S., especially wintering in Arcadia, Florida, where they made a home and many friends. Dorothy was always the navigator on their trips and made sure to steer clear of expressways. She was a wonderful homemaker, made the best wedding cakes, and had an amazing memory – never forgetting a birthday. Dorothy was a talented seamstress, crocheter, pianist, and organist. On Sundays you could always find Dorothy playing the piano and Herman the fiddle, countless hours and many memories were made listening to them play music together. Dorothy was a lover of animals, especially cats. Her bright and loving soul will live on in the hearts of all who knew her.

Dorothy leaves to cherish her memory, her children, Carol Shaver (Robert Dietlein) of Bay City, David (Jeanette) Kratz of Caro, Renee Krause of Vassar, Douglas Kratz of Beech Island, South Carolina, and Kevin Kratz of Munger; daughter-in-law, Cathy Kratz of Caro; fourteen grandchildren; twenty-nine great-grandchildren; fifteen great-great-grandchildren; brother-in-law, Dean Kratz; several nieces and nephews. In addition to her husband and parents, Dorothy was preceded in death by her son, James Kratz; sons-in-law, Fred LaPratt and Hans Krause; siblings, Leland (Wilma) Dowker, Norman Dowker, and Gladys Kells.

Funeral services will be held on Friday, July 21, 2023 at 11:00 a.m. at the Ransford Collon Funeral Home in Caro with Rev. Richard Barriger and Rev. Marc Herron co-officiating. Interment will follow at Indianfields Twp. Cemetery with a lunch at the Caro First Baptist Church following the burial. The family will be present to receive visitors on Thursday, July 20, 2023 from 4:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. and again on Friday from 10:00 a.m. until the time of Dorothy’s funeral service at 11:00 a.m. Those planning an expression of sympathy are asked to consider memorial contributions to the Tuscola County Imagination Library or Cass River Pet Friendz.