Published December 15. 2021 08:28AM
Gerald Kratzer, 87, of Fullerton, died Nov. 28, 2021. He was the husband of Mariann R. (Yadush) Kratzer for 67 years.
Born in Allentown, he was a son of the late Henry and Anna (Feichtl) Kratzer.
He was a 1951 graduate of Allentown High School.
He was a Lehigh Valley bartender for more than 50 years at The Hotel Traylor, Havilland Inn, Holiday Inn West, Days Inn and the Red Barn. He was the first inductee into the Bartender Hall of Fame, sponsored by Bartender Magazine.
He was a member of the Pioneer Club, where he played Santa Claus for decades. He was a member of the Lions Club and founded the fishing expedition for children at Moyer Lake, Coopersburg. He assisted with Big Brother and Big Sisters.
In addition to his wife, he is survived by a daughter, Karen Duncan and her husband Robert of Tamaqua; a son, David Kratzer and his wife Chris of Northampton; four grandchildren; 11 great-grandchildren; and a brother, John Kratzer and his wife Peggy.
He was predeceased by seven siblings.
Contributions may be made to St. Elizabeth of Hungary Catholic Church, 618 Fullerton Ave., Whitehall, 18052.
Arrangements were made by Gilbert Funeral Home Inc., Whitehall.