John "Jack" Kratz

John C. “Jack” Kratz passed away peacefully, at the age of 94, on February 3, 2023, in San Antonio, Texas, following a lengthy illness. He was born on October 15, 1928, in Chicago, Illinois, to Carl J. Kratz and Margaret McCluskey Kratz. He grew up on the south side of Chicago and attended Saint Laurence Grammar School and Mount Carmel High School, graduating in 1947. Jack was baptized and confirmed in the Catholic faith. He loved sports and participated in many as a player, coach, and as asports official. He enlisted in the United States Air Force in 1948, serving 22 years in the service of our country, retiring in 1970. During his Air Force career, Jack served at nine (9) duty stations and was awarded numerous commendations, awards, and medals for his service. He achieved the rank of Senior Master Sergeant. On January 7, 1951, Jack met Loraine Kircher while he was stationed at Lackland Air Force Base in San Antonio. They were wed on April 21, 1951. A son, Douglas, was born of this union in 1956 during their tour of duty at Landstuhl Air Base, Germany. Upon retirement from the Air Force, he was employed at Lone Star Brewery in San Antonio. In 1971 Jack “signed on” with Pearl Brewing Company in San Antonio, retiring from there as Director of Sales in 1995.

He was preceded in death by his loving wife, Loraine, in 2016. Upon her death, Jack and Loraine had been married one month shy of 65 years. He is survived by his devoted son, Douglas, his fond daughter-in-law, Charlita, his younger brother, Jerry, of Milwaukee, Wisconsin, and a host of family members, friends, and colleagues who loved and respected him. He will be missed by all.

The family would like to thank Embrace Hospice (especially Tina, Letty, Lisa, and Deacon Vela) and the staff of The Enclave rehab facility (especially Tanisha, Rocio, Delilah, Kelvin, Carlton, and Tricia) for the care and compassion they showed Jack in final weeks and months.

The Visitation will be 5-7 pm, Tuesday, February 21, 2023 at Sunset Funeral Home. The Graveside Service will be 1:30pm, Wednesday, February 22, 2023 at the Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery (Shelter #3), 1520 Harry Wurzbach Road San Antonio TX 78209 with Full Air Force Honors.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation in Jack’s memory to KLRN, San Antonio’s public broadcasting station.