Billie L. Kratz Kratz

Billie L. Kratz, 65, Independence, Mo. died Jan. 25, 2004, at his home. Services will be 12 noon, Wed., Jan. 28, 2004, at Messiah Lutheran Church; interment at St. Matthews Lutheran Cemetery, Ernestville, Mo. Visitation will be Wed., 10 - 12 noon at the church. In lieu of flowers the family suggests memorial contributions to the church. Bill was born May 12, 1938, and worked in Quality Control at the GM Leeds plant for 30 years before retiring in 1989. He served in the National Guard from 1961 to 1966. He was very active in the Messiah Lutheran Church where he was an Elder and Bethel teacher, Chairman of Social Ministry, former Chairman of the Congregation. He was a member of the Independence Planning Commission since 2000, and helped take the 2000 Census. He is survived by his wife of 43 years, Patricia A. Kratz, of the home; son, Keith A. Kratz, and wife, Laura, Indep., Mo.; daughter, Dana L. Bennefeld, and husband, Lanny, Jr., Blue Springs, Mo.; mother, Goldie F. Kratz, Higginsville, Mo.; and grandchildren, Jennifer, Jessica, Elise, Joshua, Danielle, Shannon, Brandon, and Aaron.