Charles Otis “Boots” Kraatz

IRVING—Charles Otis “Boots” Kraatz of Irving died Monday, March 14, 2022.

Funeral services will be held at John P. Brooks & Family Aria, 1820 N. Beltline Road in Irving, at 11:30 a.m. Tuesday, April 5. Burial will follow at 2:15 p.m. at DFW National Cemetery, 2000 Mountain Creek Parkway in Dallas.

Visitation is set for 6 to 8 p.m. Monday, April 4.

Mr. Kraatz was born on Dec. 29, 1932, to Ben and Bernice Kraatz of Rockdale.

After graduating from high school in 1950, he went on to enlist in the U.S. Army. During his enlistment, Mr. Kraatz achieved the rank of sergeant and became a decorated combat veteran while serving in Korea. In addition to his combat assignments, he was stationed in Germany and at stateside locations.

Upon completion of his military service, he returned to Milam County, where on March 8, 1954, he married his high school sweetheart, Norma Jane Burgess of Milano.

Shortly after their marriage, they moved to Dallas, where they began their family.

Mr. Kraatz began a long career with Braniff Airlines before ultimately working and retiring from Kroger in 1994.

Having strong family values, Charles’ and Norma’s marriage produced four children, Mike, Gary, Sherry and Kimberly.

While he relished spending time with family, Charles enjoyed an extremely active life. His interest and hobbies included growing vegetables in his garden, watching sports (especially teams from Texas A&M), fishing and hunting, time at the casinos, and working jigsaw and crossword puzzles.

Mr. Kraatz was preceded in death by his wife of 67 years, Norma Jane Burgess Kraatz, and a daughter, Kimberly Renee Kraatz Rodgers; also, two brothers, nine sisters and his parents.

Survivors are two sons, Mike Kraatz and wife Laura of Irving, Gary Kraatz and wife Vivian of Euless; a daughter, Sherry Toups and husband Tom of Little Elm; and a sister, Lucille McCrummen; also, eight grandchildren, 10 great-grandchildren and three great-great-grandchildren.