Jerry Kratz
Member of the Michigan House of Representatives
from the 65th district
In office
January 1, 2003 – January 28, 2003
Preceded byMickey Mortimer
Succeeded byMickey Mortimer
Personal details
Born(1933-08-08)August 8, 1933
Detroit, Michigan
DiedJanuary 28, 2003(2003-01-28) (aged 69)
Grass Lake, Michigan
Political partyRepublican
Alma materWayne State University

Gerald B. Kratz (August 8, 1933 – January 28, 2003) was a Michigan academic and politician.[1]

Early life and education

Kratz was born on August 8, 1933, in Detroit, Michigan.[2] In 1955, Kratz earned a bachelor's degree in education. The next year, Kratz earned a master's degree in education. In 1969, Kratz earned a doctorate degree in education and curriculum development.[3] He earned all three of his degrees form Wayne State University.[4]

Career

Kratz served as superintendent of the Novi School District from 1972 to 1980. Kratz served as superintendent of the Jackson County Intermediate School District from 1980 to 2001. Kratz served as an adjunct professor at Eastern Michigan University from 1973 to 2003.[3] Kratz, along with David Steel, owned the private firm Educational Associates. In March 2000, the Litchfield City Council hired Educational Associates conduct a search for a new city manager.[5] On March 8, 2000, Steel and Kratz interviewed dozens Litchfield residents to find out what they were looking for in a new city manager.[6] By March 13, 2000, the city council had received 37 applications for the city manager position. That same day, Steel and Kratz presented to the city council the brochure, which was to be sent to applicants. The brochure explained the position's duties and the qualities sought by the residents of Litchfield, based on their research.[7] Kratz also worked as a real estate site agent.[4]

On November 5, 2002, Kratz was elected to the Michigan House of Representatives seat representing the 65th district.[2] In the state house, Kratz was a member of the House Apportions Committee and was head of the committee which handled the budget for the state's community colleges. Kratz introduced six bills during his political career. One of them sought to lower the legal level for drunk driving. He served as state representative from January 1, 2003, to his death on January 28, 2003.[3]

Personal life

During his time in legislature, Kratz resided in Grass Lake, Michigan. Kratz was married to Eleanor. Together, they had four children.[3] Kratz was Catholic.[2]

Death

Kratz died of a heart attack on January 28, 2003, while working out on a treadmill in Grass Lake.[3] In the special election to fill the vacancy in the 65th district left by his death, Republican Mickey Mortimer defeated Jerry Kratz's son, Democrat Kent Kratz.[8]

Electoral history

2002 Michigan House of Representatives 65th district Republican primary election[9]
Party Candidate Votes %
Republican Jerry Kratz 3,462 100.0
Total votes 3,462 100.0
2002 Michigan House of Representatives 65th district general election[10]
Party Candidate Votes %
Republican Jerry Kratz 13,934 55.97
Democratic Sharon Renier 10,960 44.03
Total votes 24,894 100.0

References

  1. ↑ Alvarado, Yolanda (September 17, 1985). "Two-way TV may upgrade poor schools". Lansing State Journal. p. 9. Retrieved August 8, 2021 – via Newspapers.com.
  2. 1 2 3 "Legislator Details - Jerry Kratz". Library of Michigan. Retrieved August 8, 2021.
  3. 1 2 3 4 5 Bailey, Amy F. (January 30, 2003). "Rep. Kratz dies while working out". Battle Creek Enquirer. p. 4. Retrieved August 8, 2021 – via Newspapers.com.
  4. 1 2 De La Cruz, Jessi (September 29, 2002). "65th District: Candidates make education priority, contd". Lansing State Journal. p. 22. Retrieved August 8, 2021 – via Newspapers.com.
  5. ↑ Warner, Mike (March 1, 2000). "Litchfield manager search expected to take 12-14 weeks". The Homer Index. p. 1. Retrieved August 8, 2021 – via Newspapers.com.
  6. ↑ "Citizen input sought on new manager". The Homer Index. March 8, 2000. p. 1. Retrieved August 8, 2021 – via Newspapers.com.
  7. ↑ Warner, Mike (March 15, 2000). "Litchfield receives 37 manager applications so far". The Homer Index. p. 1. Retrieved August 8, 2021 – via Newspapers.com.
  8. ↑ "Republican Mortimer wins special House race". Battle Creek Enquirer. May 23, 2003. p. 4. Retrieved August 8, 2021 – via Newspapers.com.
  9. ↑ "2002 Michigan Election Results". Lansing, U.S.A.: Department of State, Michigan. Retrieved August 8, 2021.
  10. ↑ "2002 Michigan Election Results". Lansing, U.S.A.: Department of State, Michigan. Retrieved August 8, 2021.
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