Gary Kratzke
Gary Robert Kratzke, 73, of Motley and formerly of North Mankato, died June 6, 2022, at Senior Class Community in Pequot Lakes.
Funeral services were held June 21 at St. Paul’s Ev. Lutheran Church in North Mankato.
Burial was at Woodland Hills Memorial Park.
Gary was born March 17, 1949, to Raymond and Selma (Engel) Kratzke in Mankato. He graduated from Mankato High School in 1967 and from Mankato State with a BS Degree in 1971. Gary married Julie Graif on October 7, 1972, in Mankato. Together they had three children. Julie died in 1994. Gary married Laurel Tennessen on August 30, 1996, in Mankato.
Gary started working for Matt J. Graif Clothing in 1973 and bought the store in 1982. He sold the store and retired from retail in 2012. Gary and Laurel moved to the Brainerd Lakes Area in 2013 and enjoyed his retirement years living on Lake Shamineau.
Gary was a member of St. Paul’s Ev. Lutheran Church in North Mankato, Bethany Lutheran Church of Cushing, Mankato Sertoma Club, Brainerd Area Sertoma Club, former YMCA board member, MAYBA, Mankato West Booster Club and the Mankato Golf Club. Gary was a talented athlete and was active in sports throughout his life. He especially enjoyed coaching his children’s youth sports teams. He cared about his young players and taught them life values besides the skills of the game. Gary’s grandchildren were a joy in his life and he was proud to watch them excel in his favorite games, baseball and football. Gary enjoyed riding bike, golfing, watching sports, gardening and boating.
Memories of Gary will be forever cherished by his wife, Laurel of Motley; three children, Joseph (Jill) Kratzke of North Mankato, Jillian (Neil) McLyn of Cave Creek, AZ and Justin “Gus” (Nakita) Kratzke of Minneapolis; four grandchildren, Jacen Kratzke, Jakeb Kratzke, Benjamin McLyn, and Charlie McLyn; two sisters, Joyce (Steve) Oachs of Mankato and Marilyn (Charles) Christiansen of St. Peter; father-in-law, Mel Tennessen of Brewster; in-laws, Leslie (Mark) Slater, Melanie (Doug) Peterson, Dawn (Darren) Murphy, Matt (Shelly) Tennessen, Krystal (Brent) Bohnsack, Andy (fiancé Heather Peters) Tennessen; nieces, nephews, cousins and his beloved golden retriever, Champ, who never left his side.
Gary was preceded in death by and is reunited in heaven with his parents; wife, Julie; one sister, Carol Hanel and mother-in-law, Carol Tennessen.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to MAYBA, Mankato West Booster Club or the Alzheimer’s Association at alz.org.
Arrangements were by Northview - North Mankato Mortuary, North Mankato.
w26c A00006B2022JU15
