Ralph. W. Kratzer

FUNERAL HOME

Washburn-McReavy Holcomb-Henry-Boom-Purcell Shoreview Funeral Chapel

515 Highway 96 West

Shoreview, Minnesota

Ralph. Kratzer Obituary

Kratzer, Ralph. W. - Beloved Husband, Dad, Grandpa Musician Extraordinaire! Funeral service Saturday 10AM at HOLCOMB-HENRY-BOOM NORTH CHAPEL, 515 Hwy 96, Shoreview. Visitation TODAY 4-8PM. Complete notice yesterday. 651-482-7606.

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Published by The Palm Beach Post on Oct. 29, 2004.

Memories and Condolences
for Ralph. Kratzer

6 Entries

Richard Bergman

November 27, 2004

Amazing Grace: Ralph's many variations waft through my mind as I recall his performances at the end of each piano tuning session. I was enamored by his rhythm, harmony, and theme variations. He, of course, was listening for the harmonic produced by a chord on a well tuned piano. Suddenly he would pause and repeat a phrase or chord till I heard the harmonic and "got in tune" with our piano and its tuner.

Thanks, Ralph, for the memories, tune-ups, and musical bridge you made with all the souls you have touched.

Richard and Muriel (Reineke) Bergman

Daniel Durham

October 30, 2004

Our heart felt sympathies and condolences go out to the family of Ralph. I am sorry that I was unable to be with my mom, for you at the memorial service. Even though we have lost touch, I will always remember Ralph, Karen, Warren, and Wayne coming to our house in Cincinnati, and us going to Kentucky to visit all of you. Listening to Ralph play the organ and the piano, listening to his stories, enjoying a good laugh, these times will always stay with me. I consider myself blessed to have been able to have met Miss Ethel Waters, just because our family was so close to your family. I ask our Lord and Savior to keep true to Miss Ethel's well known song and that you will remember, "His eye is on the sparrow, and I know he watches me."

Amy Holwerda

October 30, 2004

My thoughts and prayers are with the KRATZER FAMILY DURING THIS VERY DIFFICULT TIME. EVEN THOUGH I ONLY KNEW HIM FOR A VERY SHORT TIME IT WAS A PLEASURE TO HELP TAKE CARE OF HIM. FROM WHAT I SEEN HE HAD A SENSE OF HUMOR AND HAD A VERY BIG HEART. I WAS HIS PCA FOR ONLY 2 AND 1/2 WEEKS I ENJOYED MEETING RALPH,WIFE JEANNE,SON WAYNE AND FAMILY,AND ANY OF HIS FRIENDS I HAD MEET.

YOU'LL BE IN MY THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS ALWAYS.

AMY FROM DIVINE HEALTHCARE

Kevin & Becky (Roen), Jacob, Simon, Andrew & Hannah KANGAS

October 29, 2004

Our deepest sympathies to Ralph's family. I, Becky, grew up knowing his kids: Karen, Wayne, Sharilyn, and are now close friends with his son, Warren and wife, Amy & their family.

What I remember most about Ralph was his extraordinary musical abilities. He would visit the Wolverton Evangelical Free Church and often be asked to accompany a soloist or group of singers. Many times we only had one music book. Ralph would say, "That's OK, just sing me a few measures." He'd give us the starting note and would join us on the piano shortly thereafter, playing the entire song WITHOUT music! He was amazing! He will be missed...and always remembered.

Love, Hugs, and Prayers,

Randy & Chris Willhite

October 28, 2004

Our condolences go out to Ralph’s family and friends. Ralph was the Choir director at St. Luke’s in Cottage Grove when we first joined the Church many years ago. Rehearsals were always kept lively with his stories and sense of humor. He kept us on our toes on Sunday mornings when inspiration would strike Ralph and he would “enhance” the opening of the song we were singing. He would be at the keyboard and would start the intro, but it would different than rehearsal! We’d look at Ralph’s face and there would be this huge grin! We knew we had better pay close attention because shortly there would be a nod of his head that meant, start singing! And you know what, it always worked out! He loved music and loved to tinker with the organ’s sounds and effects. Electric cords, speakers and keyboards were going in every direction. But he had the talent to make them all work together in harmony and rhythm. While we have had many fine directors since Ralph, we enjoyed Ralph’s love of life, humor and musical talent immensely. He will be missed.

Kjell and Kitty Hartmark

October 28, 2004

Our deepest condolences to Ralph's family on his passing. We knew Ralph many years ago and he was, indeed, a great musician----he played for our wedding in 1957. We have fond memories of our times together. Love and prayers-----

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