Dennis Kratzer

Kratzer, Dennis

Dennis Jay Kratzer, 66 passed away Wednesday January 14, 2015 after a year long battle against cancer. Dennis was born January 15, 1948 in Terre Haute, IN, son of David and Ruth (Smith) Kratzer.

Dennis moved to Milwaukee, WI to attend school and eventually make his home. He married Phyllis Mandell in Milwaukee on March 21, 1972. Dennis was a Key Account Representative, selling beer for Miller Brands for 23 years, winning many awards for salesmanship. Dennis retired in 2007 and he and Phyllis relocated to Omro, WI from Wauwatosa, WI. After retirement Dennis enjoyed working part-time for the City of Oshkosh Parks Department at Menominee Park and the Leach Amphitheatre.

Dennis enjoyed boating and fishing on local rivers, Lake Winnebago and Lake of the Woods, Ontario, Canada. He was an active member of the Omro Fox River Runners and the Berlin Boat Club, volunteering many hours to make the Fox and Winnebago waterways safe and accessible. Dennis also was a dedicated member of the Oshkosh Celebration of Lights Committee. Dennis will be remembered as a devoted husband, father, grandfather and friend. Dennis especially valued time spent with his grandchildren.

Dennis is survived by his loving wife of 42 years Phyllis, of Omro, son David (Ann) Kratzer, three grandchildren, Joseph, Nicholas and Isabella, of Oconomowoc, WI, daughter Elizabeth Kratzer (Brian Martin and his children Lucas and Karina) of Waukesha, WI, mother Ruth Kratzer of Clinton, IN, brother Daniel Kratzer (the late Teresa) of Terre Haute, IN, sister Bonnie (Basil) Ave of Clinton, IN, as well as aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces and nephews and many dear friends. Dennis was preceded in death by his beloved father David.

A memorial service will be held Saturday January 24, 2015 at 3:00 p.m. at the Konrad-Behlman Funeral Home- Westside, 100 Lake Pointe Drive, Oshkosh, WI, with Pastor Robert Wertel officiating. Visitation will be held from 1:00 p.m. until the time of service.

The family would like to thank coworkers and friends, the staff at the Oshkosh locations of the Vince Lombardi Cancer Center, Aurora Medical Center ICU and the Visiting Nurse Association for their compassionate care and support. Memorial donations will be directed to organizations meaningful to Dennis, including the Menominee Park Zoo in Oshkosh.