Floyd Kratz

Floyd was born on May 12, 1916 on a farm NW of Comfrey to Oscar and Emma Kratz. He was the youngest of their eight children. He was surrounded by the love and attention of his parents and siblings. He had an active childhood with sports, school, 4H, farm work, and many family gatherings. Floyd graduated in 1934 from Comfrey High School. At age 23 he married the love of his life, Rosalyn Bloemke (age 19) on June 15, 1939. Floyd thoroughly enjoyed his 47 years of farming, most of which were shared with his brothers, Roy and Art. They all took great satisfaction from their ability to cooperate with shared equipment and work schedules. Thanks to their wonderful wives they also shared thousands of meals together. Floyd and Rosalyn found their farm to be a wonderful place to make a living and raise their 5 children. Their parenting philosophy was reflected through an emphasis on daily family meals, consistent church attendance, family vacations, and many extended family gathering. They strongly encouraged each of their children to attend college and continually emphasized the importance of education, learning, and travel. Floyd and Rosalyn spent many winter seasons in Apache Junction, AZ where they connected with numerous new friends as well as many Minnesota friends and family. Floyd described himself as lucky or blessed with many positive influences in his life. He developed varied hobbies including baseball, pool, golf, gardening, card games, contract bridge, hunting, woodworking, dancing, and traveling. In 1984, Floyd and Rosalyn retired from farming and moved into their new home in Springfield. They were married for 64 years. Floyd resided in the St. John Lutheran Home in Springfield and Lyngblomsten Care facility in St. Paul after Rosalyn's death in November of 2003. Floyd is survived by his 5 children - Pam Nelson (Jerry) of Vadnais Hts, MN, Tom (Sandie) of Burnsville, MN, Rick (Roz) of Decorah, IA, Dan (Ellen) of North Oaks, MN, and Bill (Lori) of Ludington, MI; 7 grandchildren - David (Kristin), Michael (Susan), Kirsten (Mark) Blaseck, Kaarin, Jonathan, Taryn, and Steven; great grandchildren - Matthew, Adam, Emily, Julia, and Lucia; and many loving nieces and nephews Floyd was the last survivor of the first American born generation of Kratzes. His siblings are Walter, Hilda (Ryan), Alice (Nelson) Roy, Roscelia (Becker) Edith (Platz), and Arthur. Floyd was a happy, salt of the earth farmer who loved his family, enjoyed every season and stage of his life, and was quietly content in his relationship with God.