J. Richard "Rich" Gratz

J. Richard “Rich” Gratz, 94, passed away at 3:31 a.m. on Monday, January 28, 2019, at St. Rita’s Medical Center, Lima.

Rich was born on April 12, 1924, in Bluffton, Ohio, to the late Christian and Caddie (Cook) Gratz. On Sunday, October 17, 1948, he married Betty L. (Roush) Gratz, who preceded him in death on January 31, 2002.

Rich was a 1942 graduate of Bluffton High School. He was also a graduate of Bluffton College (BA) and Indiana University (MA). He was a member of the Ohio Coaches’ Hall of Fame, and the Bluffton College Hall of Fame. He was also a member of the Ebenezer Church in Bluffton, Ohio and a frequent attendee of Union Chapel Missionary Church.

He is survived by five children: Todd (Victoria Cunningham) Gratz of Olympia, WA, Kevin (Mary) Gratz of Bluffton, OH, Kathey (Thurlow) Spurr of Orlando, FL, Lori (Bill) Scherger of Lima, OH, and Steven (Andrea) Gratz of Columbus, OH, five grandchildren: Kara (Seth) Zink, Kyle (Amy) Gratz, Matthew Fuhrman, Hannah Fuhrman, and Maddie Mae Spurr, five great grandchildren, a brother Robert (Dortha) Gratz, and a very special friend, Sharon Bradford.

He was preceded in death by his parents and beloved wife.

The family will receive friends from 5:00 to 7:00 pm on Thursday, January 31, 2019 at Ebenezer Church, 8905 Columbus Grove-Bluffton Rd, Bluffton, OH. Services will immediately follow at 7:00 pm at Ebenezer Church, Bluffton, OH.

Condolences may be expressed at www.chamberlinhuckeriede.com.