Kenneth “Kenny” Gratz, age 78, of Monroe passed away peacefully on October 8, 2024 at the SSM Health Hospice Home. He was born on October 13, 1945 the son of Glenn and Margaret (Boyle) Gratz. Kenny graduated from Darlington High School in 1963, after graduation he attended UW Whitewater until he enlisted in the United States Army. He proudly served his country in Vietnam. Kenny married the love of his life, Patricia Teutschmann, on August 31, 1968 in Shullsburg.
Kenny spent many years farming and working at Kelly Springfield in Freeport until his well-deserved retirement in 2001. Kenny served as an Assistant Varsity Basketball Coach for Monroe High School starting in 2002, where he was instrumental in leading the team to a State Title. He earned several awards as a coach. His passion for sports was unwavering, as he continued to provide scouting reports, enthusiastically attended home games, and travelled far and wide to cheer on his children and grandchildren at their sporting events. Kenny's involvement in his community was profound. As president of the Monroe Booster Club for more than thirty years, he organized countless initiatives, including fundraising efforts for a new concession stand, press box, and several other projects. He also meticulously took care of the baseball field at the high school. He was a lifetime member of the Knights of Columbus as well as being a member of the American Legion Post 84 and VFW Post 2312 both of Monroe. Kenny and Pat enjoyed taking trips to area casinos. He will be remembered as a selfless, generous man who always put his family first. He will be dearly missed.
Kenny is survived by his devoted wife of 56 years, Pat; their children, Roxanne (Jeffrey) Paul, Kenneth Gratz Jr., and Kevin (Polly) Gratz; grandchildren, Margaret (fiancé, Spencer Vestin) Paul, Elsen Gratz, Andrew Gratz, Matthew Gratz, and Abigail Gratz; siblings, Jeannie (Ron) Ubersox, Susan (Timothy) Gratz-Schroeder, Kristine (Dave) Welsh, and David (Marcia) Gratz; and his sister-in-law, Chris Gratz. He was preceded in death by his parents and his brother, Richard "Dick" Gratz.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Tuesday, October 15, 2024 at 11:00AM at St. Victor’s Catholic Church of St. Clare of Assisi Parish with Father Chahm Gahng as celebrant. Burial will follow at Calvary Cemetery with military honors.
A visitation will be held at St. Victor’s Catholic Church on Monday, October 14, 2024 from 4:00-7:00PM. Continued visitation will take place on Tuesday from 10:00-10:45AM, there will be a time of remembrance and storytelling before the mass.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the Monroe Booster Club, 1600 26th St. Monroe, WI 53566. Shriner Hager Gohlke Funeral Home is assisting the family. Condolences may be sent to the family at: shriner111.com.
