Eileen E. Kratz

Eileen Kratz Obituary

Eileen E. Kratz, 89, of Akron passed away peacefully on January 27, 2006.

She was born on September 2, 1916, in Akron. She was the daughter of Reuben and Fern Barnett, and was a lifetime resident of Akron. Eileen was a graduate of East High School and the Hammel Actual Business College. In 1936, she began working as a bookkeeper for the Kratz Piano Company, and on July 17, 1948, she and John W. Kratz were married. She continued to work full time with her husband in running the business while also managing their home and raising their daughter. Upon her husband's death in December, 1965, she became president of the family business and continued to operate it until her retirement. She served the community for over sixty years in musical instrument sales and her knowledge, fairness and easy going manner were always remarked upon and appreciated by her customers.

In spite of a busy lifestyle, Eileen always had time to listen to and try to find ways to help other people. Her caring and wisdom will be greatly missed. Her favorite hobbies included dabbling in real estate and caring for her pets. She was a member of the High Street Christian Church.

Preceded in death by her husband, John; parents; sister-in-law, Rena Barnett. She is survived by her daughter, Janice (Ken Witter); brother, Harold D. Barnett of Atwater; nephew Brent (Patricia) Barnett of Atwater; great nephews, Jason (Mendy) Barnett of Alliance and Jeffery Barnett of Suffield, as well as, step great and great-great nieces and nephews, and cousins. She also leaves behind wonderful friends Dennis and Cindy Eiland of Stow.

The funeral service will be Tuesday, January 31, 2006 at 1:00 p.m. at the Eckard Baldwin Sanctuary Chapel, 760 E. Market St. Interment at Glendale Cemetery. The family will receive friends on Monday from 6 to 8 P.m. at the funeral home.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Akron Beacon Journal from Jan. 29 to Jan. 30, 2006.

Memories and Condolences
for Eileen Kratz

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2 Entries

Jerry Buckner

January 31, 2006

When I learned of Mrs. Kratz’s passing the wonderful memories of my years with her filled my heart. My first real job was at the Kratz Piano Company on South Main Street. Mrs. Kratz hired me in the fall of 1966, fresh out of Buchtel High School. I knew nothing about sales or for that matter business in general. She patiently taught me the importance of a strong work ethic and commitment to making the customer come first, a rare trait among today’s retail chains. She and her daughter, Janice soon become my second family. We shared many special moments together including my marriage in 1968 and the birth of my daughter in 1970.

In 1973 I left the store to pursue a career in music. I was scared and very insecure about leaving my job but Mrs. Kratz was very supportive and encouraged me to follow my heart. I eventually moved away from Akron but always made a point of visiting her whenever I was in town. The last time I saw her was two years ago. She was recovering from heart surgery and moving a lot slower, but she still had that twinkle in her eye and was able to joke about the pains of growing old. Mrs. Kratz came from the old school where honor and dignity still had meaning. She was honest and loyal and sincerely cared about people. I remember once when she loaded up a set of drums in her car by herself and personally delivered them to a family so their son could have them in time for Christmas.

We are all very fortunate when we meet people who enrich our lives and give us a small piece of who they are to carry with us. Mrs. Kratz did that for me. And in my quiet moments when the world around me seems out of control, I will stop and remember a simpler time with her and that old store; of having lunch together on Fridays, of brewing hot tea on cold winter days, and hearing her tell those wonderful stories of a time gone by. I miss those days and I will miss her…

Paul Merlo (prior mailman 25 yrs)

January 30, 2006

My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.

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