M.W. Arthur W. Kratzert Biography 1985
Arthur William Kratzert
Most Worshipful Brother Arthur William Kratzert was born on September 16, 1925, in Monaca, Pennsylvania, the son of Dr. Oscar A. and Henriette Coombs Kratzert.
His early education was in the public schools, and he graduated from Monaca High School in 1942. From 1943 until 1946 he served in the United States Navy, being discharged with the rank of Lt Junior Grade. After his 'stint in service, Brother Kratzert resumed his formal education, graduating from Oberlin College, Oberlin, Ohio in 1947 with a B.A. Degree. In 1950 he received a B.S. Degree in Civil Engineering from the University of Pittsburgh.
Brother Kratzert married Norma Lanahan of Beaver, Pennsylvania on June 24, 1952, and this union was blessed with three sons, Arthur Gregg, Eric Oscar and Benjamin William and two daughters, Anne Margaret Boucher and Lauren Virginia Karish. There are eight grandsons.
During the years from 1950 to 1963, Brother Arthur applied his engineering skills on construction of Pennsylvania, Massachusetts, New York and Connecticut Turnpikes. In 1963 he formed a private corporation of engineering and surveying: "Kratzert and Jones Association, Inc." in which concern he served as President until it was sold in 1986.
Brother Kratzert always took a keen interest in the activities of the Town of Southington, his adopted town, having served as Vice-Chairman of the Committee on Aging; Chairman of the Republican Town Committee; a member of the Building Board of Appeals; President and Treasurer of the Southington Y.M.C.A.; Councilman on the Southington Town Council; Board of Directors, Southington Chamber of Commerce and the Southington Housing Authority.
Brother Arthur was an active member of the St Paul's Episcopal Church in Southington where he had served as a Vestryman. A member of Chipannee Golf Club in Bristol, he was an avid golfer.
Most Worshipful Brother Kratzert's Masonic career began when the first three Degrees of Masonry were conferred on him by his father, Worshipful Brother Oscar A. Kratzert, in Woodlawn Lodge No. 672 in Aliquippa, Pennsylvania. On June 26, 1948 he was raised to the Degree of Master Mason. He affiliated with Friendship Lodge No. 33 in Southington, Connecticut on September 4, 1963, served that Lodge as Worshipful Master in 1968, and Secretary from 1982 thru 1987.
In 1977 Brother Kratzert was appointed the Right Worshipful District Deputy for Masonic District 5B by Most Worshipful Brother Arthur F. Simpson Jr. He served his second year as District Deputy during 1978. He served on several Grand Lodge Committees and was Grand Representative of the Grand Lodge of Maryland near the Grand Lodge of Connecticut.
Most Worshipful Brother Carl J. Anderson appointed Brother Kratzert Right Worshipful Grand Junior Steward in 1979. He progressed and was elected and installed as the 139'" Most Worshipful Grand Master of Masons in Connecticut April 3, 1985.
In the York Rite he was made a Royal Arch Mason in Triune Chapter No. 49 on December 5, 1960 and served as High Priest in 1963 and 1964. As a member of Keystone Chapter No. 27, he served as High Priest in 1980. He became a Royal and Select Master in Temple Council No. 32 on November 4, 1961 serving as Thrice illustrious Master in 1965. As a member of Hamilton Council No. 22, he was T.I.M. in 1967 and 1968. Brother Kratzert was knighted in St. Elmo Commandery No.9 April I, 1964 and served as Eminent Commander in 1975. He was a member of Connecticut Priory No. 28, Knights of the York Cross of Honour and Connecticut York Rite College No. 17. Brother Kratzert was a member of St. Andrew's Conclave, Red Cross of Constantine.
His Scottish Rite career began in Springfield, Massachusetts where he joined Evening Star Lodge of Perfection, Massasoit Council Princes of Jerusalem and Springfield Chapter Rose Croix in the fall of 1955. He became Sublime Prince of the Royal Secret in Connecticut Valley Consistory on December I. 1955. He belonged to the Scottish Rite bodies in the Valley of Waterbury and Lafayette Consistory in Bridgeport. He served as Most Wise Master in 1981. On September 29, 1982 he was coroneted a Sovereign Grand Inspector General, 33° in St. Louis, Missouri. He was also a member of the Royal Order of Scotland.
He was a member of Sphinx Temple, Ancient Arabic Order Nobles of the Mystic Shrine. He also held a membership in the Sphinx Temple Past Master Club and Kaabans Shrine Club.
Brother Kratzert's other Masonic affiliations include the Hartford County Lodge of Actual Past Masters where he served as Right Worshipful Master in 1981 and served as Secretary for several years. He was an associate member of Philosophic Lodge of Research; the Order of High Priesthood; the Order of the Silver Trowel and a member of the Masonic Veteran Association.
Brother Kratzart joined the Celestial Lodge March 31, 2006.
