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William ”Bill” Kinkaid Kratzer
06/07/1922 — 09/30/2007
From Kennewick, WA, US | Born in Kennewick, Washington
William ”Bill” Kinkaid Kratzer
William Kinkaid Bill Kratzer, 85, of Kennewick, Washington, died Sept. 30, 2007 at Kadlec Hospital in Richland, Washington.
Bill, a lifelong resident of the Tri-Cities, was born in Kennewick in 1922. He was raised on a wheat ranch in the Horse Heaven Hills. His parents were Lawrence LeRoy and Mary Caroline Kinkaid Kratzer.
Bill attended Kennewick High School and Washington State College in Pullman, interrupting his studies for service in the Army from 1944 to 1946. He was wounded in Europe and received the Purple Heart. Bill graduated with a degree in metallurgy after being discharged.
In 1944 Bill married Helen Irene LaRue. They settled in Richland, and Bill worked at Hanford until his retirement. He moved to the Canyon Lakes Manor in Kennewick in 2005.
Bill was an accomplished Bridge player and played several times a week up until his death.
He became a deacon at All Saints Episcopal Church in 1971, serving faithfully for decades.
He belonged to the American Nuclear Society and other occupational organizations.
Bill is survived by son Lawrence L. Kathy Kratzer of Yakima, WA; daughter Marian Kratzer Bruce Roberts of Randle, WA; and son C. Andrew Deanna Kratzer of Burbank, WA. He has seven grandchildren and ten great-grandchildren.
Bill was preceded in death by wife Helen and daughter Kristina Sutton Lynde.
A funeral service will be held on Saturday, October 13, at 2:00 p.m. at All Saints Episcopal Church, 1322 Kimball Ave., Richland, WA 99352. His ashes will be interred at the church following the service.
Donations may be sent to All Saints Episcopal Church, 1322 Kimball Ave., Richland, WA 99352.
I was saddened to read of Bill’s passing in the Tri-City Herald. My sincere condolences to his family. I am sure he will be missed, especially by his many grandchildren and great grandchildren, who I expect have been enriched by his sage mentoring and pleasant nature. I worked in the same group with Bill at the Hanford N-Reactor for 10 years 1974-1983and we often played noon-time bridge together. He was one of the most well-liked and respected men I have known, both professionally and personally. I benefited in many ways by having Bill as a co-worker and friend.
Sincerely, David Schneidmiller
I was saddened to read of Bill’s passing in the Tri-City Herald. My sincere condolences to his family. I am sure he will be missed, especially by his many grandchildren and great grandchildren, who I expect have been enriched by his sage mentoring and pleasant nature. I worked in the same group with Bill at the Hanford N-Reactor for 10 years 1974-1983and we often played noon-time bridge together. He was one of the most well-liked and respected men I have known, both professionally and personally. I benefited in many ways by having Bill as a co-worker and friend.
Sincerely, David Schneidmiller
I will miss you Grandpa for the rest of my life. As for one of my fondest memories is when I was attending Sunday school, I was about 6 years old, and we were supposed to give an offering and I said I didn’t have any money with me but my Grandpa would give me some. We had a new teacher that day and didn’t know who my Grandpa was and said it was okay that I go and get some money. So I proceded to walk into the service up the main asle while my Grandpa was giving his sermon and tugged on his robes and he bent down and I whispered that I needed money for the offering for my class. He had to lift his robes and dig in in pocket for money and I ran back to class to give my offering. Of course the entire congregation got a big kick out of it and the teacher was mortified. But Grandpa and I have a good chuckle at the memory.
My oldest son Tyler says he will always remember Grandpa spending hours teaching him how to play chess. Tyler would always try and move a piece that couldn’t be moved that way and Grandpa had the greatest patience and would remind him he couldn’t do that but try again. My youngest son Jake always tried to make Grandpa laugh and would do tricks or tell jokes and Grandpa would make him feel like he was the funniest person alive.
My husband Chris and I will miss coming and seeing him and they boys will remember having their great-grandpa a very special member of their family.
We love you always – and we will see you again. Save a spot for us in heaven!!!
Love your Granddaughter Denell
Andy and Deanna,
I’d like to extend my deepest and heartfelt sympathy for your great loss.
You and your family are in my prayers during this great time of sorrow.
Hugs to the both of you,
Jeanie
Andy and Deanna, We are saddend of your loss. We did not know your dad but we all have some friends of both your and my families. There is a lot you learn when it is to late in life. You are all in our thought and prayers. Never forget the good times.
God Bless and be with you all.
Mike and Carol Tesky
Larry & Kathy,
We were fortunate to have met up with your dad in early September. We share your grief and extened our heartfelt condolences for your sad loss. Will also remember him in our prayers.
Hazel & Jerry
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William ”Bill” Kinkaid Kratzer