On Wednesday, July 27, 2016, the world said goodbye to a great man. Alfred L. Kratzer, 89, of Indian Trail, NC, passed away after suffering a stroke.

Alfred was born in Bucks County, Pa and grew up on a farm in Allentown, NJ. A graduate of Allentown High School, and served in the US Navy during World War II, stationed in the Philippines. He later earned his Bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering from Lehigh University.

Al and his wife, Margaret ("Marge") moved to Hunterdon County, NJ where he was a successful chemical engineer for James River Paper, developing several patented processes in the early days of Polaroid instant photography. The Kratzer family resided in Hunterdon County, NJ for many years before Al retired and moved to Indian Trail, NC in 1994.

Al loved the beach and enjoyed spending the summers at his shore house on Long Beach Island, NJ. He took long walks every morning, read on the beach, swam in the ocean and cherished visits from his family and friends.

He was a devout Catholic and a faithful member of St. Luke's Church in Mint Hill, NC and St. Francis of Assisi Church in Brant Beach, NJ. He was actively involved in the church community and assisted at church services. He took pride in his participation in the local chapter of the Lion's Club and you could often find him "ringing the bell" with his wide, big grin. Additionally, he delivered Meals on Wheels and was a member of the "Young at Heart" group.

Son of the late Michael and Anna (Brantmyer) Kratzer, Alfred was predeceased by his wife, Margaret Elizabeth (Agin) Kratzer in October, 2015. He is survived by his three sons and daughters-in-law: Michael and his life partner, Marianne Kovack; Guy and his wife, Ruth (Ness) Kratzer; and Alfred Jr. and his wife, Desiree (Ciliberti) Kratzer. He will be greatly missed by his only grandson, Chase, his adoring sister, Emma Saks, and his many loving nieces and nephews, who affectionately called him, "Uncle Al, the Kiddie's Pal".

A Memorial Service will be held on Friday, August 5th at 10am at St. Luke's Catholic Church, 13700 Lawyers Rd., Mint Hill, NC 28227. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Indian Trail Lion's Club, Indian Trail Civic Building, Navajo Trail, Indian Trail NC 28079.

Arrangements under the direction of the Peppler Funeral Home, Allentown, NJ