Frank A. Kratzer, Jr., 95, of Bellevue, NE passed away in Lincoln, NE on February 4, 2021. Born March 28, 1925 in Kansas City, MO to Frank A., Sr. and Mary E. (Wise) Kratzer.
Frank worked in a variety of occupations, including as a teacher and concluded his career with his dream job as a librarian at the University of Nebraska-Omaha. He loved his family and friends and was a member of the Methodist Church and was a Mason, Shriner and Toastmaster.
Frank was introduced to, Marjorie (Greer, Pennington), by best friend, Rev. Joe Baer in 1965. They were married August 1, 1966 and he became an instant and loving dad to five young children. They were married for 52 years and as Marjorie often said, “He came to the house in his little red Mustang and never left.”
Together, Frank and Marjorie loved to go to auctions, swing dances and travel. Their trips to Hawaii and to the balloon festival in New Mexico were two favorites. Frank was a life-long learner and said music was in his soul. He was an accomplished pianist and composer; jazz was a particular passion. One of the songs he composed is titled “What More Could A Man Ask For?” and highlights his sweet nature and true appreciation for life. Frank was a voracious reader, collector of books, model trains, airplanes and cars, a cartoonist and loyal fan of John Wayne.
Frank was quiet, gentle and kind and could always be counted on to help without complaint. An avid storyteller and loveable jokester, Frank appreciated a good pun, wordplay and corny jokes. He lived his life doing what he loved and sharing his love with his family. He always saw the good in people and was never known to say a harsh word. Grateful for everything, he asked for little in return. His life’s philosophy is summed up by his version of a Will Rogers’ quote, “We are only here for a short while, get a few laughs and do the best you can. So when you lose, you win.”
He was preceded in death by: Wife, Marjorie L. (Greer Pennington) Kratzer,
Son, Russell Pennington
Parents, Frank, Sr. and Mary Kratzer
Father and Mother-in-law, Cyrus and Mayetta Greer
Brothers-in-law, Cy, Waldo and Ralph Greer
Sister-in-law, Nelia Greer
He is survived by:
Son, Bill (Kay) Collins,
Daughters, Linda (Dennis) Hecht, Leigh (Rodney) Poskochil, Sharon Pennington, Karen Lemke
Sisters-in-law, Ruth (Greer) Boswell, Merna Greer, Maxine Greer
Grandchildren, Sheila (Reynolds) Cramer, Christine Head (Bo Wake), Nicole (Wesley) Hecht Juranek, Kathryn (Curtis) Hecht-Weber, Dustin Poskochil, Laura (Curt) Herman, Kinsey Poskochil, Alexis Duclayan, and Mitchell, Morgan and Miles Lemke
Great Grandchildren, Ashley, Zach and Benjamin Cramer, Cullen, Cannon, Cameron, Leonidas and Calex Wake, Max, Nora and Cecelia Juranek, Charlie Weber, Ellie Dyer, Adrienne and Isaac Herman, and Kari Kate
Memorial Service: 11:00 a.m. Saturday (9-18-21) Roper and Sons Midtown Chapel, 4300 ‘O’ St.
Masks are required.
Memorials are suggested to the American Society for Pancreatic Cancer Research, 7111 A Street, Suite 200, Lincoln, NE, 68510, the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network (pancan.org) or to the family for later designation.
No Visitations/Cremation