Louis "Louie" Kratz, age 80, of Omro, died Tuesday evening, May 17, 2005 at Omro Care Center. Louie was born on the family farm in the Township of Rushford on August 12, 1924 to John and Bertha (Pollex) Kratz. He was educated in Omro. He took care of the family farm for many years, living there his entire life. He later went to work as a custodian in the Omro School District. Louie loved many sports and became involved in Omro school's sports programs, coaching softball, and mentoring the players, he was their Number One fan. Louie enjoyed people, making friends and often meeting his many special friends at local restaurants for lunch. He continuously searched for knowledge, reading and solving impossible puzzles. He was a lifetime member of Trinity Evangelical Lutheran Church in Borth.

Louie is survived and will be missed by his sisters, Louise (the late Clarence) Wright of Berlin, Esther (Raymond) Marks of Winneconne, Helen (the late Clarence) Lee of Omro, Marie (Richard) Derber of Oshkosh, Lorraine (Norman) Schneiter of Glenbeulah, Ruth (Clair) Retzlaff of Omro, and Marian (the late Orin) Retzlaff of Neenah; many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. Louie was preceded in death by his parents and nephew, Neil Retzlaff.

Visitation will be held at the Omro Funeral Home on Thursday, May 19, 2005 from 4 to 9 p.m. and on Friday, May 20, 2005 from 10:00 a.m. to the time of the service at 11:00 at Grace Evangelical Lutheran Church, 720 Jackson Ave., Omro with Rev. Brian Beardsley officiating. Burial will be in the Borth Cemetery. A memorial in Louie's name is being established.