Charlotte Erica "Linda" Kratz

On Saturday, February 4, 2023, Charlotte Erica (Goezel) Kratz, passed away at age 95.Charlotte was born on August 24, 1927 to loving immigrant parents in her family home of Perkiomenville, Pennsylvania. Her first language was German, learned from her Hungarian father, Arpad J. F. Goezel and her German mother, Bertha Pauline (Schick) Goezel. She was the second of three children born to her parents. Charlotte took on the name of her doll “Linda” as a young child, and held this name through all her years. Her parents worked hard and lived well, tending their land, gardening, bee keeping and hunting. Linda also valued the gifts of the earth, gardening, the outdoors, and the joys of waking early in the morning. She loved the ocean and was a long-distance swimmer in her early years. Later in her life, these joys prompted the establishment of Kratz’s Christmas Tree Farm in Andover, Kansas with her husband, Willard.Linda married the love of her life, Willard, in 1948 with whom she celebrated 73 years. She and Willard welcomed the birth of each of their six children who survive her at this time; Connie (Mark) Christian, Susan (Tom) Wagle, Becky (Ralph) Teran, David (Pepper) Kratz, Donald (Sherrie) Kratz, and Jill (Dennis) Manson who blessed her with 28 grandchildren, 51 great-grandchildren and 1 great-great-grandchild. She is also survived by her brother, Robert C. Sr. of Pennsylvania. Linda is preceded in death by her beloved husband, Willard; parents; sister, Cornelia E. Hoffman; and granddaughter, Julia Marie Scott.Linda’s Christian faith grounded her adult life, provided guidance, comfort and hope. She was known by her uplifted spirit, kindness, practicalities, and amazing sticky buns.Funeral services will be held at 1:00 pm, Friday, February 10, 2023 at Downing & Lahey East Mortuary. Burial services will follow at Lakeview Cemetery.In lieu of flowers, a memorial has been established with Union Rescue Mission, 2800 N. Hillside St., Wichita, Kansas 67219.

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