Martin Walter Kraatz Jr.

Martin Walter Kraatz Jr. was born on March 16, 1938 and went home to be with the Lord on Saturday, January 20, 2024 at the age of 85. He was a beloved husband, brother, father, and PawPaw to his seven grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren.

Marty grew up in Oak Cliff. He was baptized at Cliff Temple Baptist Church. He met his wife, Jodell Lumpkins Kraatz, when they were teenagers on a streetcar in 1954 and seeing Gone with the Wind was one of their first dates. Marty and Jodell married on November 14,1959 and were married over 64 years, living in Oak Cliff, Duncanville and Arlington.

A 1956 graduate of Sunset High School, Marty then received his BBA degree in 1961 from Arlington State College (later known as the University of Texas at Arlington) in the first four year graduating class.

Marty had a strong work ethic and determined spirit. He began working at age eleven, carrying groceries. He worked in the insurance industry for over 30 years and retired in his mid-fifties to enjoy time with his wife, children and grandchildren. Taking care of his family was always his priority.

Spending time and vacationing with family and friends brought Marty the greatest joy. He enjoyed reading, gardening, time on the farm, fishing, boating, jogging and walking. Investing was one of his favorite hobbies. He was a Master Mason and member of the Hillcrest Masonic Lodge for more than 57 years.

Marty was preceded in death by his parents, Martin Walter Kraatz, Sr. and Marjorie Joy Hinckley Kraatz, in-laws, Odell and Naomi Lumpkins, and brother-in-law Joe Karney. He is survived by his wife, Jodell, and daughter, Janet Olson and husband, Bruce, son, Bryan Kraatz and son, Mark Kraatz and wife, Veronica, and is also survived by his sister, Gwendolyn Karney. Marty adored his seven grandchildren - Staci Gottlieb and husband Daniel, Kristi Schilling and husband Joseph, Keith Kraatz and wife Marilyn, Holli Perry and husband Scottye, Kevin Kraatz, Ryan Kraatz and Dylan Kraatz. He cherished his nine great-grandchildren - Levi, Logan, Lincoln, Eli, Collin, Kai, Cate, Kaysen and Langston.