Joshua Kratz

Joshua Forrest Kratz, 40, of Richlandtown, passed away in his sleep on February 7, 2017 at his home. He was the husband of Stephanie Marie Borits. Born on December 10, 1976 in Lansdale, he was the son of Jeffrey Fraser Kratz and Marguerite F. (Stevens) Kratz. Josh was a 1995 graduate of Souderton Area High School. He also was a graduate of the Schlicher-Kratz Institute of Real Estate, Montgomery County Community College, and Reading Area Community College. He was a licensed real estate sales person, auctioneer and insurance sales producer with Jeffery F. Kratz Real Estate & Insurance & Auctions. He worked in those roles alongside his father for many years. Since 1991, he also was the owner and operator of Kratz Carriage & Sleigh Works where he hand-crafted, restored and refinished horse-drawn carriages, wagons and sleighs for many people in Montgomery, Bucks, Lancaster and other surrounding counties. He also was an inventor. He invented and built a product to help his niece Talia and nephew Julian and his future nieces and nephews. Further, he was an artisan and shared his artwork with his wife, family and friends. Josh had a passion for animals, particularly horses. He rode recreationally and formally via his participation in horse shows across the tri-state area for many years. In particular, he was proud to show in the Devon Horse Show. He also broke and trained wild horses and ponies to ride and drive. Further, he loved local history. He served as past president of the Lower Salford Historical Society and belonged to the organization for many years. He also served as the Vice President of the Franconia Historical Society up until his passing. Josh was known by his family and friends for having a big heart, sweet disposition and funny sense of humor. He was always kind and put others first. In addition to his beloved wife of 7 years, Stephanie M. (Borits) Kratz, he is survived by his parents, Jeffrey F. Kratz and his wife Marguerite (Peggy) Kratz, his sisters: Lisa Spofford and her husband Howard, Jennifer Collins and her husband Michael, Susan Davis and her husband Brian, and Marguerite (Maggie) Ouran and her husband Sharif; his brothers, Jeffery F. Kratz II and his wife Monica (Flynn), James F. (Jamie) Kratz, Esq. and his wife Kathleen (Woods), Jonathan F. Kratz, Jacob F. Kratz (Josh's identical twin), Justin F. Kratz, and Joseph F. (Joey) Kratz; and his 18 nieces and nephews. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Saturday, February 18, 2017 at 11 AM at Corpus Christi Catholic Church, 900 Sumneytown Pike, Lansdale, PA 19446. A viewing will also be held that Saturday at 9:30 AM to 10:45 AM in the church. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Lower Salford Historical Society, P.O. Box 150, Lederach, PA 19450 in Josh's name for the restoration of the Jacob Reiff Homestead. We love you Josh!