Obituary of Leo E. Kratz

Leo E. Kratz, 91, of Wilkes-Barre Township, passed away on Tuesday, August 20, 2024 in the Geisinger Wyoming Valley Medical Center, Plains Township. He was born in Wapwallopen, the youngest and last surviving child of the late Andrew and Caroline Endler Kratz. Leo was a graduate of G.A.R. Memorial High School, class of 1951 and he received an associate’s degree from King’s College. Leo was an Army veteran, serving during the Korean War. He was a corrections officer with the Pennsylvania Department of Corrections, serving as a Captain for many years at Eastern State Penitentiary, SCI Dallas and SCI Waymart, prior to his retirement. Leo was a member of St. Andrew Parish in Wilkes-Barre. He was active in scouting, having served as a Scout Master with the Cub Scouts and Boys Scouts, Troop 1 at Palmer and Dodson Schools in Wilkes-Barre. Leo was also an avid hunter, Penn State Football fan and he loved all of his dogs, who meant so much to him. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife of 69 years, Geraldine Moran Kratz in 2022 and by his grandsons, Benjamin and Charles Kratz. He was also preceded in death by his sisters, Catherine, Caroline, Elizabeth, Martina and Rosemary and by his brothers, Andrew, Aloysius, Francis (Frank), Charles, Joseph, Eugene and Alfred. Leo is survived by his sons, Dr. Leo Kartz and his wife, Suzanne Siroki DNP, Gettysburg; Charles Kratz, Forest City; Bernard Kratz, Willow Grove; Edward Kratz and his wife, Brenda, San Jancito, CA; Girard Kratz and his wife, Kirsten, Media; and Nicholas Kratz and his wife, Michelle, Wilkes-Barre Township; 13 grandchildren; numerous great grandchildren and great great grandchildren; nieces and nephews. Funeral services will be held on Thursday, August 29th at 9:30 am from the Nat Gawlas Jordan Funeral Home, 89 Park Avenue, Wilkes-Barre, with a Mass of Christian Burial to follow at 10 am in St. Andrew Parish, 316 Parish Street, Wilkes-Barre. Interment will be in St. Mary’s Cemetery, Hanover Township. A visitation for family and friends will be held from 5-7 pm on Wednesday at the funeral home. Condolences may be sent by visiting Leo’s obituary at www.ngjfuneral.com.