Ernest Kratzsch

Kratzsch, Ernest E., 95, formerly of Highland Ave., North Providence, passed away on April 12, 2009 at Cortland Place Nursing Home, Smithfield. He was a son of the late Frederick and Sara (McGee) Kratzsch and husband of the late Harriet (Gilmartin) Kratzsch. He was brother of the late Frederick Kratzsch, Mary Wilkinson, and Anne Meunier.

He is survived by two daughters, Nancy J. Sullivan and her husband Frank of North Kingstown and Barbara Bowry and her husband Richard of Smithfield, three grandchildren, and four great-grandchildren.

Ernest was raised on a large dairy farm in Westport, MA. He was a US Army Veteran, having served in Hawaii, where he worked with an equestrian unit and utilized the skills he had acquired as a young man working on the family farm. After leaving the military, he was employed at Decorative Fabrics in Pawtucket, where he became a senior executive. He later worked for Brown University and the Paint Bucket in Johnston. He loved dogs and could often be seen in his later years walking the streets of North Providence with canine companions.

An avid Red Sox fan, Ernest also enjoyed golf in his younger years as a member of the Pawtucket Country Club. He was a past Master of Roger Williams Lodge #32 F+AM, 1973-74, originally located in North Providence. He was a dedicated cribbage player and enjoyed tournaments at the Salvatore Mancini Senior Center.

His funeral service will be held Wednesday at 10 am in the Robbins Funeral Home, 2251 Mineral Spring Ave., North Providence. Burial will follow in Highland Memorial Park. Calling hours Tuesday 5-8 pm with a Masonic Service at 7 pm. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Beacon Hospice, 1 Catamore Blvd., East Providence, RI 02914 or RI SPCA, 186 Amaral St., Riverside, RI 02915.