GEORGE KRATZER

George Kratzer, 62, of Wilmington, Ohio passed away March 23, 2013 at The Ohio State University Medical Center. He was surrounded by his loving family. His loving wife, and soul mate, Shelley Wright Kratzer, survives. They were married June 27, 1970. George was born November 3, 1950 in Wilmington, Ohio, the son of the late Roy and Wilma Gohs Kratzer. He graduated from Wilmington High School in 1968. George's love for his family was so great. He was such a great man, devoted husband, father, and papaw. George started as an apprentice ironworker in 1970. He held several elected offices with Local 290 in Dayton, Ohio. He became Business Agent in 1984 and held that position for 17 years. George was appointed General Organizer in 2000 and then advanced to First General Vice President for Ironworkers International. He was an ironworker for 42 years. He attended the Wilmington Assembly of God Church. He loved to spend his time helping others, with his loving family, and working outside in the yard. In addition to his loving wife, George is survived by his loving daughter, Stephanie Kratzer Therrien and his loving granddaughter, Maggie Therrien, who was his pride and joy. George loved Maggie so much and George was Maggie's world. He is also survived by his brothers, Gary Kratzer of Somerset, Kentucky, Mark (Susan) Kratzer of Wilmington, Ohio, and Eddie (Rachel) Kratzer of Tampa, Florida; his sister, Kathy (Dan) Lawson of Wilmington, Ohio; sisters-in-law, Cindy (Ed) Black and Lori (Tom) Caplinger; his mother-in-law, Barbara Wright; as well as several nieces, nephews, and cousins. In addition to his parents, George was preceded in death by a brother, Larry Kratzer, sister, Dianna Kratzer Tira, and his father-in-law, David Wright. Funeral services will be 1:00 PM, Friday, March 29, 2013 at the Wilmington Assembly of God, 609 W. Locust Street, Wilmington, Ohio with Pastor Mike Carosiello officiating. Burial will be in Sugar Grove Cemetery, Wilmington, Ohio. Friends may call from 5:00 PM - 8:00 PM, Thursday, March 28, 2013 at the Reynolds-Smith Funeral Home, 327 N. South Street, Wilmington, Ohio. In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial contributions be made to the Wilmington Assembly of God, 609 W. Locust Street, Wilmington, Ohio 45177.

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