Eric Thomas Gratz

Eric Thomas Gratz, 56, of Louisville passed away suddenly on Thursday, January 8, 2026.
Eric was born on April 11, 1969, in Ponca City, Oklahoma, one of two sons to Jean Ann ( Roethe) Gratz and the late Ronald Leroy Gratz. His brother, Edward Ronald precedes him in death. Eric is survived by his mother Jean, his wife Mariah (Weyland), his children Chase Edward and Genevieve (Evie) Marie, and countless other family and friends.
Eric graduated from Ponca City High School but spent five of his school years in Norway, where his father had relocated for work. There, the family traveled throughout Europe, living also in London for a time. He earned an undergraduate degree from Swarthmore College and a PhD from Dartmouth College where he studied the Fracture Mechanics of Ice, an area of research relevant to his interest in downhill skiing. (Eric claimed to have chosen Dartmouth for its proximity to ski slopes.) Eric went on to become an engineer at Abiomed in Boston where he met and fell in love with Mariah. They married and settled in Louisville where they continued working together at Weyland Ventures. Eric was an active member of St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church, volunteering his time in the school and parish as a member of the School Board and the Facilities Committee.
Eric was a loving, nurturing, and compassionate father who devoted himself to the care of his family. He was always present in their lives. Eric adored date nights with Mariah, doing a Wordle puzzle each day with Evie, and helping Chase on science projects. He enjoyed daily walks with their dog Monroe and chatting over iced coffee with his mother. He cherished family time and the moments they shared on their getaways, from summer days at the cottage in Michigan, to snorkeling in Costa Rica, to their recent cruise among the Galápagos Islands of Ecuador.
Eric was smart, caring, generous and kind- simple words for this extraordinary man. He was proud of his family and filled the lives of those who knew him with happiness. His presence was a gift to all who loved him.
The Funeral Mass will be held on Friday, January 16, 2026, at 10am at St Francis of Assisi Church, 1960 Bardstown Rd with a committal service to follow at Cave Hill Cemetery. A celebration of life will follow from 12-2pm at Paseo Restaurant (900 Baxter Ave).
In lieu of flowers, we would like donations to be made to St Francis of Assisi Parish
https://www.wesharegiving.org/app/giving/WeShare-20001148?tab=home or Family Scholar House
https://familyscholarhouse.org/donations/
"What you leave as a legacy is not what is etched in stone monuments, but what is woven into the lives of others." – Anonymous