Vilis Kratins

Vilis Kratins passed away on October 31st, 2025, at St. Peters Hospital in New Brunswick. He was eighty-four years old.
Vilis was born on February 13th, 1941 in Latvia. At the age of seven, Vilis and his family immigrated to the United States and settled in South River New Jersey. His family would move shortly after to Franklin Park. Vilis attended the local public school system up until his graduation from high school. After finishing high school, he joined the workforce immediately and worked as a self-employed mechanic. It was at this time where Vilis met his loving wife and forever partner, Lisa. Vilis and Lisa. Lisa and Villis would eventually settle in North Brunswick where they would enjoy their life together. He went on to work for Ingersol Rand as a mechanic and was a tool salesman for many years. He went on to work at PSE&G as a mechanic and eventually worked his way up to a supervisor role before his retirement in 2011.
Vilis was considered an outdoorsman. He loved to fish and hunt whenever he could. He spent many evenings fishing in the Manasquan inlet and Milltown rivers. Vilis was also a member of the Riverside Hunting Club in South River. He went on countless hunting trips with his friends on the Riverside Club's property in Hillsborough. Vilis was an avid NHRA racing fan and would frequently attend races at the Englishtown Speedway with his wife, Lisa. Vilis also enjoyed watching football. Every Sunday he would be rooting for his favorite teams. Vilis will be missed by all who knew him.
Vilis is survived by his loving wife of over forty years, Lisa Kratins. He is also survived by his two sons Frank Kratins with wife Vickie and John Kratins with wife Debbi. Vilis also leaves behind four beloved Grandchildren, Rachel, Lucas, Kelsey and Justin.
Donations in lieu of flowers can be made to the American Cancer Society via this link https://www.cancer.org/donate.html