Francis Ratz, 69, of Schnecksville died Jan. 2, 2023, in Allentown.

He and his wife, Vicki L. (Urdahl) Ratz, were married 47 years.

Born June 14, 1953, in Allentown, he was the son of the late Adolph Ratz and Malinda (Klatt) Welsh.

A self-employed residential electrician, he did business as Fratz Electric, Schnecksville, for 35 years before retiring.

He was an avid fisherman and gardener and the ultimate Penn State fan.

In addition to his wife, he is survived by daughters Courtney K. Kleckner of Allentown, and Lindsey A. Geores and her husband, Eric, of Stroudsburg; sisters Alice Belcak of Bethlehem, Erika Shoemaker and her husband, David, of Walnutport, and Karen Case and Sharon Wardenski, both of Allentown.

He was predeceased by siblings Reinhard, Peter and Joachim Ratz, and Gertraud and Heidi Hertzog.

His memorial service will be 11 a.m. Jan. 10 in Heintzelman Funeral Home Inc., 4906 Route 309, Schnecksville with the Rev. Dr. David Charles Smith officiating.

Family and friends may pay their respects 10-11 a.m. Tuesday in the funeral home.

Attendees are encouraged to wear Penn State attire.

Expressions of sympathy may be made at heintzelmancares.com.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the funeral home to defray funeral expenses, P.O. Box 196, Schnecksville, PA 18078-0196.