Wayne Thomas “Tom” Kratzer, 88, joined his wife in heaven on Tuesday, December 6, 2016. Tom was born on June 18, 1928 in Converse, Indiana to the late Kenneth and Gladys Kratzer. Tom graduated from Converse High School in 1946 and then married Pauline (Moorman) Kratzer on August 17, 1952. Pauline entered heaven on December 25, 2013.
Tom worked as a farmer and also was a school bus driver for the Oak Hill School corporation. Tom was an active member of the Richland United Methodist Church in Converse. He taught Sunday School and was a member of the choir as well. Tom was a member of the Gideon Society and also was a member of the Men for Missions of Richland United Methodist Church and the Richland United Methodist Church Men. He served on the Grant County Farm Bureau Board, the Farm Club of Sweetser, and worked on the Election Board.
Tom is survived by his son, Mark (Carolyn) Kratzer of Fort Wayne, IN; daughter, Teresa (Rick) Seward of Claypool, IN; son, Terry (Floretta) Kratzer of Swayzee, IN; 5 grandsons, Joel (Kristin), Jonathan, and Matthew Kratzer, and Brett (Kate) and Brian Seward; 1 great-grandson, Luke Kratzer; step grandson, Tracy (Tammy) Melton; step granddaughter, Jennifer (Kevin) Annee; 7 step great-grandchildren, Jared, Caleb, Kolten, and Kenley Melton, and Madeline, Sophia, and Lauryn Annee; and many nieces and nephews.
Tom was preceded in death by his wife, Pauline, and his parents, Kenneth and Gladys Kratzer.
Arrangements have been entrusted to the College Park Chapel of Armes-Hunt Funeral Home & Cremation Services, 4601 S. Western Ave., Marion, Indiana. A funeral service honoring Tom will be held on Saturday, December 10, at 10:00 a.m. at the Richland United Methodist Church in Converse with Pastor Carolyn Mikesell officiating. A visitation has been set for 4:00 – 8:00 p.m. on Friday, December 9, at the College Park Chapel Funeral Home, and also an hour before the service on Saturday at the church.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Richland United Methodist Church or to the Gideon Society. Online condolences may be left at www.armeshuntfuneralhome.com.