Dorothy A. Kratz

Dorothy A. Kratz, 90, of Goshen, died January 23, 2021, at Greencroft Healthcare.

She was born February 9, 1930 in Kansas City, Kansas to Freedley and Martha (Frey) Schrock.  Her siblings are Marvin (Jody) Schrock, deceased and Ed (Irene) Schrock and Eunice (Don) Munn.

In 1950 she graduated from Hesston College with an A.A. degree.  She went on to LaJunta School of Nursing in 1953 where she met and married her husband James D. Kratz (deceased) June 4, 1953.

In 1960, Dorothy and Jim took literary studies at Hartford Seminary, Hartford, Connecticut and linguistics in Norman, Oklahoma in preparation for going to the Chaco in Argentina and then moved to Costa Rica where she and Jim studied Spanish in preparation for mission work in Argentina from 1960-1961.

From 1961-1967 she and Jim were stationed in Saenz Pena, Argentina to work with the Toba Indians.  She worked with health education and often would administer medications and provide health services to the Tobas.

After returning from Argentina she continued her education at Goshen College and in 1976 received a BA in psychology.  One of her dreams was to become a pastor and in 1987 she received her MA from Associated Biblical Seminary.  She was on staff at United Methodist Church, Bristol from 1987-1990 and pastored at North Suburban Mennonite Church, Mundelein, Illinois from 1992-1995.

Through the years she worked part time in nursing, retiring in 1995 and then going back to wok part-time at Sunnyside Church from 2002-2005.

Dorothy is survived by three children, Rachel Ann (Phillip) Slabaugh of Green Valley, Arizona, James (Karen) Kratz, Jr. of Elkhart and Rebecca (James) Bening of Phoenix, Arizona; five grandchildren, Mark, Ann, Tammie, Michelle and Jessica and three great-grandchildren, Bristol, Carter and Charlie.

There will be a small private graveside service.

Memorial contributions may be given to Sunnyside Mennonite Church.