Harold Hahn Kratzer

Harold Hahn "Curly" Kratzer, 88, of Mt Bethel, PA, passed away on Wednesday, January 11th. Born to Steward and Emma Jane (Hahn) Kratzer in Nazareth, PA, he was the loving husband of Bettylou (Ott) Kratzer. They celebrated their 68th wedding anniversary last May. He was a 1952 graduate of Nazareth High School.

Harold's cement industry career began with the Nazareth Cement Co. and ended 35 years later when he retired from the then Essroc Cement Co. in Nazareth, PA. He then became an integral participant in the daily activities of the Otts' Tree Farm in Mt. Bethel, PA for over 20 years, retiring when the farm was sold to the Bangor Area School District. Upon closing the farm, Harold became a van driver for LANTA & STA, helping to support the disabled on many difficult trips. His life was peaceful with his family surrounding him, bringing him new accomplishments, surprises, and records. His health deteriorated as he aged, though he fought the good fight until the Covid 19 virus decided to call him from us. The church and the community became the recipient of his desire to give to others and make life better for all

He was a member of Trinity United Church of Christ in Mt. Bethel, PA, where he served as the church Consistory President, was a member of the choir, and was a former Sunday School Teacher. He was a former Upper Mt. Bethel Township supervisor, where he helped create the Recreation Committee who developed the 1st recreational summer program for children of the township. He also served on the township’s planning commission and zoning board. He dedicated himself to Little League Baseball, and Bangor Bombers football and helped form the Bangor Patriot Youth Football Program. His love for jazz music and the theater supplied his life with pleasure from local productions to Broadway and beyond.

In addition to his wife, Bettylou, Harold is survived by a daughter, Kara Bartholomew, three sons Judson Kratzer, husband of  Beth, Neil Kratzer, and Noel Kratzer, husband of  Christine; a brother, David Kratzer, and  6 grandchildren; Riley Kratzer Burton, wife of Mike, Kendyl Kratzer, Darin Bartholomew, Mitchell Bartholomew, Blythe Kratzer, and Leyna Kratzer. He was preceded in death by two sisters, Virginia Rice and Dorothy Drumm, and three brothers, Stanley, Lester, and Ralph Kratzer.

Services will be held privately at the convenience of the family. Arrangements have been entrusted to the Gaffney Parsons Funeral Home & Cremation Services, Inc., "Village of Johnsonville" Bangor, PA. Online condolences may be offered at gaffneyparsons.com.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Trinity U.C.C. Church, 632 S. Delaware Drive, Mt. Bethel, PA 18343, or to the Bangor Area High School Music Department, Account # 144, 123 Five Points Richmond Road, Bangor, PA. 18013.