Passed away on July 13, 2015 at the age of 83 years. Preceded in death by his parents Edmund and Alberta (nee Shreve) Kratsch. Survived by his sons Edmund C. and Brian W. Kratsch and daughter Debra A Kratsch. Also survived by his nephew Scott Davidson, niece Terry Thomas, other relatives and friends. Richard held a variety of positions throughout his life. He worked on the railroad; first laying track and ultimately as an engineer, owned trolleys at the East Troy Trolley Museum, built and restored homes, and worked as a circulation manager for the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel.

A visitation will be held at the funeral home on Monday, July 20 from 10AM until 1PM with a service at 12:30PM. Interment immediately following at Forest Home Cemetery with military honors.