Ralph Kratz

1938 - 2021

Ralph Kratz
November 14, 1938 - November 15, 2020
Resident of Richmond, CA
Ralph Hueston Kratz, age 82, of Richmond CA, passed away peacefully at home on Nov. 15, 2020, after a sudden decline due to Parkinson's disease.
Ralph was born Nov. 14, 1938, in the old Stetson Hospital in Philadelphia PA to his parents, Ralph Rittenhouse Kratz and Jane (Hueston) Kratz. He was the oldest of their three sons. He lived in Dublin, Danboro, Doylestown, and then New Britain PA until he graduated from Central Bucks (County) Joint High School. He attended the University of Missouri and the University of Colorado (Boulder), graduating in 1961 with his architectural engineering degree.
Ralph was married to Cindy (Lucinda) Fuller 1961-1973. He served in the U.S. Navy 1961-1965, based in Concord CA, Charleston SC, and San Diego CA, and did a tour to Japan. After their move to Seattle in 1965, Ralph did graduate study in structural engineering at the University of Washington, worked briefly at the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, and served in the U.S. Navy reserves for some years. He and Cindy raised their four kids in Seattle and Mountlake Terrace WA. He was a structural engineer at Peter H. Hostmark & Associates and then partner in Martens/Kratz/Chan Structural Engineers.
In the mid 1970s Ralph did a memorable partial demolition and renovation of an early 20th century house in Seattle while he lived in it. In 1978 he moved to Arcosanti (Mayer AZ), Paolo Soleri's "City of the Future", and helped design and build it as a design and construction engineer for Cosanti Foundation and Paolo Soleri Architect (Scottsdale AZ and Arcosanti). He contributed remotely after his move to the San Francisco CA area in 1981, where he joined Interactive Resources, Richmond CA, as a civil and structural engineer. Ralph lived in Point Richmond, renovating a house as he lived in it, and later moved to Richmond. He established an independent practice specializing in structural engineering of residences, including earthquake strengthening. He closed his practice a few years ago and entered retirement.
Throughout his life Ralph pursued his interests in architecture, trains both full-size and HO-scale, photography, travel, interesting films, and flying small planes.
Predeceased by his parents, his brother Richard, and his beloved dog Sadie. Survived by his brother Brian (Tina); his four children, Barbara (Mark Laufersweiler) of Oklahoma and Ralph R. (Karen), Daniel, and Scott (Lara) of Washington state; six grandchildren, Joseph, Hueston, John, Jane, Dashiel, and William; his nieces and nephews; and friends near and far.
An online service is being planned; contact ralphhkratzmemorial@gmail.com. Donations in Ralph's memory can be made to ASPCA or to a charity of the donor's choice.


View the online memorial for Ralph Kratz