Richard Leo Kratz, 83, of Cahokia, IL., born October 11, 1941, in Green Bay, WI, passed away peacefully on August 17, 2025, in Cahokia, IL.

Richard grew up in Green Bay and was known by family and friends there as Bucky. But beyond Green Bay, people called him Rich, Richard, or Dick; though he was most happy to be called Dad and Grandpa.

He enlisted in the U.S. Coast Guard after high school graduation, received his training in Cape May, NJ, and was eventually stationed in St. Louis, MO. It was here that he met the love of his life, Betty Jean Harris. They married in February 1963.

After his discharge from the USCG, he started a career at the Federal Reserve Bank and worked there for 30+ years until his retirement.

While he and Betty raised their family, Richard was an active volunteer in the Cahokia  Khoury League, often serving as treasurer. He continued his volunteer work at the Knights of Columbus Lodge 4596, again as treasurer and as a popular Bingo leader.

Richard had an easy-going manner and made friends easily. He loved spending time with his family, and time spent by water was an added bonus.

He was also an avid sports fan. Some kind of sports would always be on the television, and sometimes on the radio too. He was a dedicated fan of both the Green Bay Packers and the St. Louis Cardinals.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Betty, in 2019. His parents, Milton & Kathryn Kratz. A brother,  Jerry (Fr Conrad)  Kratz, and a sister, Rose Mary Koch.

Surviving him are his children, Debbie (Greg) Larcher of Fernandina Beach, FL, Rich Kratz of Cahokia, IL, Michael (Lisa) Kratz of Woodlawn, VA,  and Mark Kratz of Cahokia, IL. Seven grandchildren: Jerry, Josey, John, Mikie, Andrew, Danielle, and Kathryn. He is further survived by siblings, Dave (Jan) Kratz, Barb Kratz, and Bonnie (Ted) Phernetton, all of Green Bay, WI, and many nieces and nephews. Richard was a dear uncle, cousin, and friend to many.

Visitation will be on Wednesday, September 3, 2025, from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at Braun Family Funeral Home 265 Quarry Rd. Columbia, IL., and on Thursday, September 4, 2025, from 8:30 am to 9:30 am. Funeral procession will leave the funeral home at 9:30 am to Holy Family Catholic Church, where Richard has been a long-time member, for a Mass of Christian Burial at 10:00 am with Father Andy Knopik officiating. Having proudly served his country, Richard will be buried in Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery,  St. Louis, MO.