Francis A. “Babe” Kratz, Sr., age 95, of Mars, passed away on Monday
morning, October 28, 2019 at LAS St. John Specialty Care Center in Mars.
Babe had owned the Mars Auto Parts Store for 33 years after having an auto wrecking business.
He served as a Sgt. in the U.S. Air Force during W.W. II and was a Past
Commander of Mars American Legion Post 787. He had served for 30 years with
the Mars American Legion and Mars V.F.W. Needy Basket Program.
He was a member of St. John Lutheran Church in Mars, was the President of
the Mars Centennial in 1973 and the Mars Chamber of Commerce.
He was a member of John E. Mair Lodge #729 F. & A.M., Syria Shrine, Scottish
Rite and NACO Caravan #19.
Surviving are his wife, Grace Koenig Kratz, who he married on October 2,
1948, daughter, Linda Devine of Allentown (and Pat), son, Francis “Andy” Kratz,
Jr. of Gibsonia (and Margaret), a grandson, Chris Devine (and Caitlin), four granddaughters, Isabelle, Jillian, Melanie, and Emmalin Kratz.
He was preceded in death by his brothers, Henry C. and Charles W. Kratz, Jr.
Friends will be received at the McDonald-Aeberli Funeral Home, Inc. 238
Crowe Ave. Mars, PA on Saturday, November 9, 2019 from 2-4 PM. Memorials may
be made to LAS St. John Lutheran Home, 500 Wittenberg Way,Mars, PA 16046.
Directions and condolences are available at www.mcdonald-aeberli.com.