Obituary of William E. Kraatz

William E. Kraatz passed away on Saturday November 26, 2016, in Absolut of Gasport. Born in Cambria, NY on May 7, 1926, he was the son of the late Frederick and Helen Weigand Kraatz. William served in the Merchant Marines from 1944-1947, and then went work for Columbus McKinnon from 1949 until 1952. He also was the owner/operator of William E. Kraatz Construction. He enjoyed fishing, hunting, gardening and woodworking. William also volunteered at the Sr. Loretto Food Pantry and was a member of the St. Vincent DePaul Society. He is predeceased by his wife Doris (nee Oliver) Kraatz, who passed away on December 27, 2010. William was the father of Carolyn (Tim) Henderson, Diane (John) Schwenz, Ellen (Gary) Larson, Jeff (Donna) Kraatz, Margaret Kraatz, Mark (Ann) Kraatz, Daniel (Jacqueline) Kraatz and Molly (Thomas) Budde and step father of the late Mark (late Mary) Oliver and the late Robert (Cheryl) Oliver; grandfather of twenty-one and several great grandchildren; also survived by several nieces and nephews. William was the brother of Walter, Helen Robozzi, David, Douglas and the late Lorraine Townsend Meyers, Joseph, Donald and Irene Knoop Snediker. Friends may call Tuesday Nov. 29th, 3-8 PM in Prudden and Kandt Funeral Home, 242 Genesee Street, Lockport. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Wednesday morning at 10 AM in St. John the Baptist RC Church, 168 Chestnut Street, Lockport. In Lieu of flowers, memorials to the Sr. Loretto Food Pantry, would be appreciated by the family. Online condolences at www.pruddenandkandt.com.