James D. Kratz

James D. Kratz, 88, died May 2, 2019 at Greencroft Healthcare.

He was born September 11, 1930 in Souderton, Pennsylvania to Walter and Hilda (Derstine) Kratz.

In 1951 he moved to La Junta, Colorado to be leader of a Volunteer Service group, where he met his wife Dorothy A. Schrock, who was in nurses training.  They were married June 4, 1953.

Jim graduated from Hesston College in 1954, Goshen College in 1956, and Goshen Biblical Seminary in 1959.  From 1961 – 1967 Jim and Dorothy lived in Chaco, Argentina working on Bible translation and providing pastoral and medical care to the Toba Indian communities scattered throughout the province.

From 1967 – 1974 he served as Associate Secretary at the Mennonite Board of Missions, overseeing the Mennonite missionaries serving in Latin American countries.  He worked at Mennonite Mutual Aid from 1974 – 1992 serving as president from 1987 – 1992.  His life focus was to serve those in need, and to pray for and mentor each person in his path.

His wife Dorothy Kratz survives along with three children, Rachel Ann (Phillip) Slabaugh of Sitka, Alaska, James (Karen) Kratz Jr. of Elkhart, and Rebeca (James) Bening of Phoenix, Arizona, five grandchildren, three great-grandchildren, and a brother Ray (Mary) Kratz of Washington Borough, Pennsylvania.

Along with his parents, he was preceded in death by a brother John Kratz.

A memorial service will be held May 11, 2019, at 11 a.m. at Sunnyside Mennonite Church, Elkhart, Indiana.

Memorial contributions may be given to Sunnyside Mennonite Church (new sound system), or Everence Sharing Fund.