Charles 'Charlie' Cratz

Charles Howard Cratz, 78, of Danville, IL, died on May 8 at 9:55 p.m. at his home. Charlie was born in Normal, IL on July 30, 1928 to Carl Reuben Cratz and Ruth Gladys Burklund Cratz. He lived in Paxton, IL, until the family later moved to Champaign, IL, where he attended Lincoln School, and graduated from Champaign High School in 1946. He graduated from the University of Illinois in 1950 with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Agriculture. In 1950 he was drafted into the army and was stationed at Fort Leonard Wood, MO, attaining the rank of Sargent, where he served until 1952. Charlie was married to June Marie Hanks at Brocton, IL on December 23, 1950. He moved his family to Danville, IL in 1956. Charlie worked in the grain business throughout his career, and was President and Chief Inspector of the Champaign-Danville Grain Inspection Department, until his retirement in 1981. He is preceded by his parents, his son Andrew Bruce Cratz, and his sister Ruth Ann Cratz Landreth. He leaves his wife June, daughters Elizabeth Baxter (Harry) of Champaign; Rebecca Ainslie (David) of Pinehurst, NC; and son Charles Brian Cratz (Tammy) of Brentwood, TN. He was especially interested in each of his grandchildren; Sarah Wilson (Mitchell), Brent Charles Baxter, Andrew Ainslie, Karl Ainslie, Erik Cratz, and Charlton Cratz. Charlie was a committed Christian, holding numerous positions at Ridgeview Baptist Church, where he was a member since 1956. He was also a Mason 32nd Degree of the Anchor Lodge, a Gideon, Boy Scout Leader, and active in Y Indian Guides. Most recently, he served on the Salvation Army Board. Besides spending time with his family and friends, Charlie played handball for many years at the YMCA, previously serving on the YMCA Board. He stayed active in retirement; playing golf and working in his yard. He had many interests; including bee keeping and stamp collecting. Charlie was extremely proud of his Swedish Heritage, and has always had a very close relationship with his cousins from Paxton. Visitation will be on Friday, May 11 from 5:00-7:00 p.m. at Sunset Funeral Home and Cremation Center. Services will be on Saturday, May 12 at 11:00 a.m. at Ridgeview Baptist Church, Danville. Burial will be in Spring Hill Cemetery. Memorials may be made to Ridgeview Baptist Church 3838 N. Vermilion St Danville, Illinois 61832, The Salvation Army 855 E. Fairchild St. Danville, Illinois 61832, or the Danville YMCA 1111 N. Vermilion St. Danville, Illinois 61832. .