BORN_SHORT ‎17 may 1878 Guard Lake, Iowa
A 77-YEAR RESIDENT OF ONAWA DIED JUNE 9
Harry R. Kratz was born in the Guard Lake community 77 years ago, the son of a brickmaker.
Moved to Onawa, with his parents, Phillip and Cintha Brown Kratz when he was a young man. Made his home in Onawa since.
Harry Kratz, a well known man of the Onawa community, died in a Sioux City hospital Thursday, June 9, 1955. Four years ago last winter, Mr. Kratz, an active member of the I.O.O.F Encampment, and Rebekah Lodges, of this city, fell and broke a hip, and since that time had walked with the aid of crutches. This accident caused the retirement of Mr. Kratz, who was an expert bricklayer. Mr. Kratz was born in Guard Lake Circle, southwest of Onawa, where his father, Phillip Kratz, located in an early day. His father operated a fruit farm, and also made brick. The brick, made at the Kratz brick-yard, were used in many of the old brick houses which are standing today.
When a young man, his father gave up farming and brickmaking, and move to Onawa, at which time his son, Harry, became a bricklayer. The trade was just natural for Harry, and he soon became an expert in his line, and was given membership in the Sioux City Bricklayers Union.
Harry’s greatest pastime was the interest which he took in the I.O.O.F., the Encampment, and Rebekah Lodges, in which organizations, through the years, he held many of the important offices. He was a member of the I.O.O.F. for over 50 years. He was also a member of the First Christian Church, of Onawa, and freely gave his support to the Church.
Mr. Kratz lived in 1407 13th street, in the house where he had resided for over 65 years. His eight children were all born there, and they are all living.

Obituary
Harry Rufus Kratz was born May 17, 1878, in the Guard Lake Circle, southwest of Onawa, Iowa. He was married to Grace Etherton December 7, 1904, in Onawa. Mrs. Kratz passed from this life March 6, 1949.
Survivors include six daughters: Mrs. Walter Bergstrom and Mrs. Levi Struble, both of Onawa; Mrs. Leonard Lamb, of Tacoma, Washington; Mrs. George Hansen of Seward, Nebraska; Mrs. Alton Crawford of Bellflower, Calif.; Mrs. Bernard Swann of Washington, D.C.; two sons Ray, of Onawa, and Harry, Jr., of Sioux City, Iowa; 29 grandchildren and 14 great grandchildren.
Funeral services were conducted from the First Christian Church, on Monday, June 13, at 2:00 p.m. Rev. E.E. Eperson, pastor of the church officiated.
Comfort in song was given by Mrs. Orland Ferris, with Mrs. Nancy Linden at the organ. The bearers were Ernest Holsclaw, Jerry Hoilien, George Strunk, Ernest Strautz, Earl Hopkins, and Hollis Mackey.
Burial was made in the Onawa cemetary, with the Odd Fellows having charge of the graveside services.
Funeral arrangements were under the direction of the Pearson Funeral Home, Onawa.