Raymond Albert Kratzke

Raymond Albert Kratzke, 99, died Saturday, September 11, 2021 at the Minnesota Veterans Home in Fergus Falls. Raymond Albert was born February 5, 1922 in Dora Township, MN, to Otto and Julia (Potts) Kratzke. He was baptized and confirmed at St. Paul’s Loon Lake Lutheran Church in Vergas, MN. He attended school in a one room schoolhouse near Vergas. He served in the U.S. Army between 1942-1945, 104th Infantry, Timberwolf Division as an Anti-Tank Squad Leader. Raymond saw 195 consecutive days of combat. On November 7, 1947 he married Lillian Anderson at Ida Lake Church. They farmed by Vergas, MN until 1956, then he started working for the U.S. Postal Service as a clerk till 1960. He became the Postmaster until retiring in 1977. He was a member of Our Redeemer Lutheran Church and the V.F.W. Post #5252 in Pelican Rapids. He enjoyed antique automobiles and farm tractors mostly John Deere & Model “T” Ford’s. Raymond enjoyed fishing, hunting, and dancing with Lillian. He really enjoyed music, playing the accordion, piano, fiddle, and guitar. Raymond played at many community events and numerous nursing homes. He is survived by his son, Leon (Karin) Kratzke, rural Pelican Rapids; daughters, Darla Yanish, Pelican Rapids, and Nita Velo, Sabin, Minnesota; seven grandchildren: Max (Piper) Velo, Kelsey Velo, Alanna Velo, Gwendelyn Kratzke, Brenda (Ryan) Ness, Willy Kratzke, and Martin Yanish; three great-grandchildren: Willa & Silas Velo, and Ava Ness; brother Reynold Kratzke, Vergas, Minnesota; and many nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his parents; wife Lillian; brothers: William, Rudolph, Bernard, Clarence, and Fred; sisters: Olga, Emma, Adeline, and Ann. Please keep Raymond's family in your thoughts thoughts and prayers. Raymond's Memorial Folder