Joseph Arthur Kratzer, 93, died Sept. 2, 2026. He was the husband of Joanne Kratzer for 49 years.

Born in Whitehall, he was the son of George and Ethel Kratzer. Raised in West Catasauqua, he lived in East Allen Township for 15 years before settling down in Whitehall for 25 years.

He was a veteran in the U.S. Army 187th Airborne Division and the U.S. Navy, both serving in the Korean War.

He worked for Garland Paving in Allentown for 20 years before becoming the road master for East Allen Township for an additional 15 years, before retiring in 2001. After retirement, he remained active as a softball umpire.

In addition to his wife, he is survived by a daughter, Kathy Dansby; two sons, Michael Stephens with Denise and Joseph Stephens with Christine; a daughter-in-law, Tammy; seven grandchildren, Katrina, Carol, Janelle, Christopher, Aimee, Joseph Jr. and Abigail; six great-grandchildren, Adelynn, Kian, Dawson, Hadley, Hayden and Calvin; and many nieces and nephews.

He is predeceased by a son, William; a grandson, Michael Stephens Jr.; five brothers, Raymond, William, John, Charles and George; and two sisters, Ethel and Hazel.

Contributions may be made to a veterans association.

Arrangements were made by Brubaker Funeral Home Inc., Catasauqua.