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John C. Kratzer
10/11/2023

 

John Kratzer, 91, of Allentown passed away October 11^th at Cedarbrook, Fountain Hill. He was the husband of Peggy Ann (Wertman) Kratzer. Born in Allentown, he was a son of the late Henry and Anna (Feichtel) Kratzer.

John quit school early to help his family with his siblings. He was an East Coast representative for Kayser and Allman, Inc., selling wallcoverings and prior to that he had painting, wallpapering and roofing jobs as well as truck deliveries.

In 1974, John was asked to come to an Allentown Lions Club meeting and has been a devoted Lion since then. He was a past district governor from 1983-1984 and had many great memories from the national and international conventions. He was the recipient of distinguished awards from Lions Club International. He also enjoyed travel to various countries with Peggy Ann and Michele. In his younger years, John was active in the Travelers Protective Association and the Allentown Boys Club. In 2009, he founded the Saturday AM Lions Club in Allentown. Mr. Kratzer was a veteran of the U.S. Army, serving two years in the Korean War.

His claim to fame was playing baseball with the great Sandy Koufax before he became famous.

John is survived by his wife of 70 years, Peggy Ann; his daughter Michele; nieces, nephews and great nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his five sisters, three brothers and an infant son.

Contributions can be made to the Lions Clubs International, www.lionsclubs.org., or the Allentown Boys & Girls Club, www.bgcallentown.org. 

A celebration of life will be held on Sunday, December 3rd at Shepherd of the Hills Lutheran Church, 4331 Main Street, Egypt (Whitehall) from 2 to 5 p.m.

Arrangements by Nicos C. Elias Funeral Home, Allentown.