Alan James Gratz served in the U.S. Army

Alan James Gratz, 88, passed away November 1, 2023, at Bridge Hospice Care Center.

Alan was born June 11, 1935 in Bluffton, OH, to Omer and Wanda (Lora) Gratz who preceded him in death. On June 8, 1958 he married Sue Rager Gratz who survives.

Alan was a Pandora-Gilboa graduate and served in the U.S. Army during the Korean Conflict. He developed and operated Spring Lake in Pandora for 25 years. Alan was an active member of St. John Bible Church, Pandora. He enjoyed woodworking, listening to music and helping others with their building and projects. Alan loved hard work and always had a project on his mind. He served on the board of the YFC and was involved with Gideon's International.  Alan loved the Ohio State Buckeyes, the Cleveland Indians and the Cleveland Browns.

He is survived by his wife, Sue Gratz of Bluffton; two children, Jeffrey (Lisa C.) Gratz of Dallas, TX, and Scott (Lisa K.) Gratz of Pandora; four grandchildren, Jared (Nikki) Gratz, Tyler (Stacey) Gratz, Kirsten (Jason) Hergenrader, and Cameron Gratz; and five great-grandchildren, Aiden, Selah, and Taya Gratz and Sloan and Isla Hergenrader.

He was preceded in death by his siblings, Arthur Gratz and Marjorie Diller.

Services will be held Tuesday, November 7, 2023, at St. John's Bible Church with Pastor Paul Perkins to officiate the service. Burial will be in Pleasant Ridge Cemetery following the service.  Visitation will be from 10:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m. at the church.

Memorial contributions may be made to Youth For Christ or St. John's Bible Church, Mission's Fund. 

Condolences may be expressed to the family at www.chiles-lamanfh.com/

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