David B. Kratz

David Kratz, 78, of Clarksville, Maryland, died Wednesday, August 26, 2015 at the Brookdale Assisted Living for Memory Care in Asheboro, North Carolina, where he was a resident for the last eight months. Dave was born on May 21, 1937 to Edgar and Evelyn (Bonekemper) Kratz in Hatfield, Pennsylvania. Dave graduated from Hatfield High School and then attended Eastern Mennonite College (now University), Harrisonburg, Virginia, for two years. He transferred to Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland, where he received his BS degree in Electrical Engineering in 1965. Dave`s entire working career was in the Baltimore, Maryland – Washington, DC area, mainly as a research and development engineer. He spent many years at the Applied Physics Laboratory of Johns Hopkins University, Laurel, Maryland, followed by a number of years at the United States Postal Service, Gaithersburg, Maryland. Dave was a member of Hyattsville Mennonite Church, Hyattsville, Maryland where he served on various committees throughout the years as well as being the lead sound system technician. In 1963 he married Annabelle Zuercher Kratz and together they raised two children, David and Holly. He enjoyed nurturing his children`s curiosity, traveling with the family, watching documentaries about space and working on a variety of home projects. Survivors include his wife, Annabelle; his son and daughter-in-law, David and Anali Kratz Mathies; his daughter and son-in-law, Holly Kratz and Ryan McEnaney; and three grandsons, Justin Rein, Nicholas Rein, and Stefan Mathies. He is preceded in death by his parents and two sisters, Janice Northrup and Marie Ryan. Pugh Funeral Home, Asheboro, North Carolina, is assisting the Kratz Family. A private family service will be held at a later date. Memorial contributions may be made in Dave`s memory to The Alzheimers Association, Western Carolina Chapter, 3800 Shamrock Drive, Charlotte, NC 28215-3220 or Pruitt Hospice, 902 West D Street, Wilkesboro, NC.