William Irvin Kracke

William Irvin Kracke (Age 77)

Passed away on Tuesday, October 24, 2017, of Silver Spring, MD.

Beloved father of Kristen Kracke-Bock (Joe) and Kurtis Unruh Kracke (Julia); grandfather of

Jonah, Caleb, Jacob, and Karis. He is also survived by his brother, Fredrick Kracke; his niece

(Mary) and his two nephews (Gil and David). Bill dedicated his life to the betterment of others and

did so selflessly as a US Air Force Captain and Flight Surgeon in Vietnam and throughout the

remainder of his career as a doctor. Bill graduated from Baylor College of Medicine in 1966 and

completed his psychiatric residency in 1972 at the University of Texas Medical Center. He then

dedicated 40 years to private practice in Amarillo, Texas as one of the most sought-after

psychiatrists in the panhandle.

While he defined himself proudly and primarily as a doctor and psychiatrist, Bill also lived fully

and joyfully in each moment and knew how to seize all that life offers. He was a role model for

friends and family on how to enjoy life and he did so passionately whether it was skiing slopes,

hiking the Maroon Bells, white water rafting, watching the moon rise, running marathons, bicycle

riding in the mountains, writing poetry, learning to make stained glass, playing southwestern

wooden instruments, sharing a drag race car and working as pit crew, or wining and dining and

taking in the symphony as only a few examples of his broad interests and thirst for life. He was a

true Renaissance man and embraced every new opportunity or experience he could find. His life

came full circle when he returned home to Maryland where he was born to live near family and

share his latter years with the people who loved him most.

Inurnment Service at Arlington National Cemetery Columbarium will be held on Wednesday,

September 19, 2018, at 9 AM. Everyone attending please meet at the cemetery administration

building at 8:15 AM. Contributions in his memory may be made to National Alliance on Mental

Health (NAMI) of Texas, P.O. Box 300817, Austin,TX 78703

www.COLLINSFUNERALHOME.com.