Suzanne S. Kratzer, 74, of Allentown, died Aug. 22, 2017, in her home with her beloved Bedlington Terrier, Frosty faithfully by her side. She was the wife of the late former Pennsylvania State Sen., Rev. Guy M. Kratzer. Born in Allentown, she was the daughter of the late A. Mark and Catherine B. (Weaver) Schappel.

She was a 1961 graduate of Emmaus High School and served as president of both her junior and senior class and served on the class reunion committees including the 50th in 2011.

She received her teaching degree from Muhlenberg College in 1965 and a master in education from Temple University. Her teaching career began at Central Jr. High School and after two years she was appointed to the position of eighth grade social studies teacher at Trexler Middle School, retiring in 1995 after 30 years of service.

She was a member of the First Presbyterian Church of Allentown, where she had served as an Elder, Deacon, usher and taught a Bible Discovery Class. For over 20 years she managed the bulletin board at church. She became actively involved in the refugee ministry at church making lasting relationships with Biak Tha and family from Burma who now reside in Amarillo, Texas; Moses and Mimi Thlenga and their children from Burma who reside in Allentown; the Chau family from Vietnam and Tawachi Osanit from Thailand. In 2009, with help from her church and St. James U.C.C. and many volunteers, she founded the annual Martin Luther King Dinner which encouraged congregations and the community to work and fellowship together. She was a member and active participant in the Library Area Neighborhood Association known as LANA.

She is survived by an aunt, Lorraine Schappel, of Allentown; cousins; her Bedlington Terrier, Frosty; numerous friends who are like family.

Memorial contributions may be made in her name to the church or the refugee ministry at the church. Arrangements were made by the J.S. Burkholder Funeral Home, Allentown.