David Roger Kratz of Mason City, Iowa, passed away at his home on June 16, 2024, at the age of 75.
A celebration of his life will be held at Clear Lake State Park Lodge, 6490 S Shore Dr. Clear Lake, IA 50428 from 1:00 to 4:00 pm Sunday June 23, 2024.
Dave was born January 3, 1949, in Sergeant Bluff, Iowa, the son of Marvin and Mary Ellen Kratz. Growing up he and his siblings enjoyed many summers at their parent’s lakeshore home at Elbow Lake Minnesota, beginning his life’s passion for fishing. His mind was full of countless memories there.
He graduated from Mason City High School with the class of 1967 and went on to earn a business degree from North Iowa Area Community College.
Dave married Talitha Albertson in August of 1970. They were deeply blessed by the births of their two children: a son Joshua David and a daughter Andrea Jean.
On October 31, 1981, Dave married Kelly Fandel. They were able to share 42 years of continued togetherness. They welcomed the births of their daughter Amber Marie and son Calan Craig (their Halloween baby, born on their sixth wedding anniversary).
Dave lived a full, happy life. He was a light tower to his family. He loved hard and worked hard. Dave loved the great outdoors. The life of fishing and hunting consumed many weekends, whether fishing from their dock or out of their boat with his kids, grandkids, nieces, nephews, and friends; he couldn’t get enough. He was able to fulfill his passion by living on a lake whether that was Clear Lake, Fieldstone Lake, or Sunset Lake with Kelly by his side.
It is here on the lakes that they met their lifelong cherished friends. The roar of laughter could be heard blocks away as he and his Lakeview buddies would play horseshoes every chance they could, with a cold beer or two of course. He also loved spending many a Friday evening with his Fieldstone neighbors. Dave made great friends wherever he lived.
Dave loved music. He and Kelly loved going to numerous concerts throughout the years. His highlights were seeing the Eagles, Journey, Waylon, and Willy. Dave loved sports, especially baseball, football, and basketball. He was devoted to the New York Yankees and Green Bay Packers. Most of all, he was a proud fan of his grandchildren and their accomplishments; especially Caden and Sam who shared the same passion for the sport of baseball that he loved.
Dave was a devoted employee of Curries Manufacturing in Mason City where he worked for 44 years starting in 1975. It was a job that he thoroughly enjoyed, beginning as a doorframe foreman and working his way up to customer service manager. Dave’s work relationships were not only made in the office, but also during many conventions, trips and mutual hobbies outside of work. He ended his career there at the age of 70. His work rewarded him with many lifelong friends long after he retired.
Those left to cherish his memory are his wife, Kelly; children, Joshua (Kelly) and their children Caden and Sam Kratz, Andrea (Mike) and their children, Cole and Ruby Frantz, Amber Kratz and her children Acacia and Hayes Allen, and Calan Kratz; siblings, Kristine Miller, Ray (Deb) Kratz, Lynn (Teri) Kratz, Marv (Cathy) Kratz; in-laws, C. J Fandel, David (Jackie) Fandel, Brad (Sherrie) Fandel, Cindy Fandel, and Kim Fandel Garner; family friends Cindy Fistler and Joe and Linda Thompson; and many nieces and nephews.
In addition to his own children and grandchildren, there were many other family members that considered Dave a second father and grandfather. These include Dylan (Brittney) Garner, Azalea, Cylas, Emery, Melissa Peterson, Asher, Axton, Jon Ehresmann, Hollie, Summer, Kelly, Payton, and Kinzly.
Dave and Kelly welcomed many into their home with open arms and unconditional love and hosted many holidays and family get togethers throughout the years.
Preceding him in death are his parents, Marvin and Mary Ellen; in-laws, Cletus and Laurel Fandel; grandson, Gabriel Graham; brothers-in-law, Donald Miller; Roger Garner, Bill Peterson; sister-in-law, Bunny Fandel; and friend, Dick Fistler.
Dave was able to give the gift of life through organ and tissue donation. His donation will restore life’s promise for many families. Honoring his generous wish, the gift of life will be able to impact up to 200 individuals.
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