Robert G. Kraatz

Robert G. Kraatz, age 92, of Olmsted, passed away on Sunday, Sept. 28, 2025 at Sunshine Gardens in Marion, Ill.

He was born on Nov. 1, 1932 to Roy Rudolph and Cecil Pearl (Earnhart) Kraatz in Olmsted, Ill. He was married to Mildred Burge.

Robert grew up working on the Kraatz Family Farm alongside his father and siblings. He credited his adult work ethics to that lifestyle and was very proud of his farming history.

Following graduation from high school, Robert attended Southern Illinois University Carbondale where he earned a Bachelor of Science Degree. 

In 1954, Robert joined the United States Navy and completed Naval Flight Training at Pensacola, Fla. He served as a Naval Aviator in the Western Pacific during the Cold War era. 

Following one deployment, he was stationed at Los Alamitos Naval Air Station in Southern California where he met Mildred Burge. The two married shortly thereafter.

After his Naval service, Robert became involved in the industrial packaging business, a relatively new industry at the time. He was very successful and developed an expertise in production. 

Business opportunities kept him busy working and living on both the East and West Coast.

Robert chose to spend much of his retired life back home in Southern Illinois. He leaves behind a legacy of hard work and laughter.

Survivors include his son, Mark V. (Marcia) Kraatz; and his siblings, Joe (Wilma) Kraatz, Dan (Tina) Kraatz.

Along with his parents and wife, he is preceded in death by his infant daughter, Karen Jean Kraatz; and his siblings, Rod Kraatz and Carol Steers.

A celebration of Life will be held at later date and will be announced to family and friends.

The cremation of Robert G. Kraatz will be personally handled by the staff of Crain Funeral Home.

Crain Funeral Home in Ullin is in charge of arrangements.