Michael A. Kratz, 61, of Owings, MD died January 14, 2010 at Anne Arundel Medical Center in Annapolis, MD. Mike was born June 15, 1948 in Frankfurt on the Main, Germany to Irmgard W. (Kirchhof) and William S. Kratz during the time Mr. Kratz was stationed there in the military.

Mike returned with his parents to Owings, MD where he was a lifelong resident. He attended the former Fairview Elementary in Owings, Beach Junior High School in Chesapeake Beach, and graduated from Calvert High School, class of 1966. He then attended St. Mary's College in St. Mary's City, MD where he received his Associates Degree in Science. Mike served in the US Navy from 1969 until being discharged as a Hospital Corpsman, 2nd Class in 1975, being awarded the National Defense Service and Good Conduct medals. While in the Navy Mike completed X-Ray Technical School, and upon his discharge from the service he worked as a radiology technician, primarily at Calvert Memorial Hospital where he was Chief Technician.

He met and married Laura McQuinn on February 16, 1980 and they made their home in Owings. In 1985 Mike began working at the Calvert Cliffs Nuclear Power Plant as a supervisor in the Dosimetry Department where he measured and monitored radiation levels. Since 2002, Mike had worked for contractors in the nuclear industry, most recently Cabrera Services at West Valley Environmental in West Valley NY. Mike was a lifelong member of Friendship United Methodist Church. He enjoyed reading, cooking, gardening, fishing, woodworking, dancing with his wife Laura, outdoor activities, beach vacations, and spending time with his family and with his golden retrievers.

Mike is survived by his wife Laura McQuinn Kratz, daughters Michelle A. Allison (husband James) of Charlotte, NC, Caitlin E. Ketcher (husband Joshua) of Poquoson, VA and Margaret E. Kratz of Owings. He is also survived by his mother Irmgard W. Kratz of Owings and four grandchildren, Chase, Morgan and A.J. Allison and Aubree Ketcher.

Mike was preceded in death by his father William S. "Bill" Kratz and brothers Richard W. Kratz and William S. Kratz, III.

Friends will be received on Monday from 2-4 & 7-9 PM at Rausch Funeral Home, P.A., 8325 Mt. Harmony Lane, Owings, MD. A funeral service and celebration of Mike's life will be held 11:00 AM Tuesday January 19 at Friendship United Methodist Church. Interment in the church cemetery will take place at a later date.

Arrangements provided by Rausch Funeral Home.

Funeral Service
January 19, 2010
11:00 A.M.
Location: Friendship United Methodist Church

Visitation
January 18, 2010
2:00-4:00 & 7:00-9:00 P.M.
Location: Rausch Funeral Home - Owings, MD