Charles Otis "Boots" Kraatz of Irving Texas, passed away March 14, 2022 marking the end of a long, successful, and joy filled life. Charles was born on December 29, 1932 to Ben and Bernice Kraatz of Rockdale Texas. After graduating from high school in 1950, he went on to enlist in the United States Army. During his enlistment Charles proudly achieved the rank of Sergeant and became a decorated combat veteran while serving in Korea. In addition to his combat assignments he was stationed in Germany, and State side locations. Upon completion of his military service, Charles returned to Milam County where on March 8, 1954 he married his high school sweetheart, Norma Jane Burgess of Milano Texas. Shortly after their marriage, Charles and Norma moved to Dallas where they began their family. There Charles began a long career with Braniff Airlines before ultimately working and retiring from Kroger in 1994. Having strong family values, Charles' and Norma's marriage produced four children, Mike, Gary, Sherry and Kimberly. While he relished spending time with family, Charles enjoyed an extremely active life. His interest and hobbies included growing vegetables in his garden, watching sports (especially teams from Texas A&M), fishing, and hunting, time at the casinos, and working jigsaw and crossword puzzles. Charles was preceded in death by his loving wife of 67 years Norma Jane Burgess Kraatz, his daughter Kimberly Renee Kraatz Rodgers, two brothers, nine sisters, and his parents. He is survived by two sons Mike Kraatz and wife Laura of Irving, Texas, Gary Kraatz and wife Vivian of Euless, Texas, daughter Sherry Toups and husband Tom of Little Elm, Texas, eight grandchildren, ten great grandchildren, three great-great grandchildren and one sister, Lucille McCrummen.

Funeral Services will be held at John P. Brooks and Family Aria 1820 N. Beltline Rd, Irving, Texas 75061 Visitation: Monday April 4, 2022., at 6:00 - 8 pm Funeral Services Tuesday April 5, 2022., at 11:30 Burial: Tuesday April 5, 2022 Service will be held at DFW National Cemetery, located at 2000 Mountain Creek Parkway Dallas, TX, at 2:15 pm