Obituary of Darlene S. Gratz

Darlene S. Gratz passed away unexpectedly at Niagara Falls Memorial Hospital on Friday March 3, 2017. She was born on January 3rd, 1929 in Niagara Falls to Richard and Edna (Lemke) Schieman. She attended local schools and graduated from Niagara Falls High School at the age of 17. She immediately went to work for the DuPont Corporation in the research and development department there. She was the first hire by DuPont that had not reached the age of 18. She met William H. Gratz in Niagara Falls and they were married in 1955. They were blessed with one son, William. After her marriage she devoted over 40 years overseeing the financial books of Cataract Metal Finishing in Niagara Falls, the family business. Darlene was very active in her church. She had been a lifelong member of Trinity Lutheran Church up to the point of its merger with Hope Lutheran Church to form Our Savior’s Lutheran Church. She served on the altar guild as well as the ladies group. She is survived by her son Bill (Laura) of Lewiston, Idaho; grandsons Will (Kendel) of Ft. Leavenworth, Kansas, Martin and Erik of Silverdale, Washington. She is also survived by her step-grandchildren Greg (Emily) Jose of Baltimore, Maryland, Becky Jose of Pullman, Washington and Daniel Jose of Bremerton, Washington. She is also survived by a great-granddaughter Sophia Gratz of Ft. Leavenworth, Kansas. She was preceded in death by her husband William, her sister Eunice Bair and her parents. Visitation will take place on Friday March 17th from 3-5pm and 7-9pm at HARDISON FUNERAL HOME, N. Fourth & Ridge Sts., Lewiston. A funeral will take place on Saturday, March 18th at 1:30 pm at Our Savior Lutheran Church at 2759 Military Rd, Niagara Falls, NY. Internment will take place immediately following the service at Niagara Falls Memorial Park Cemetery. The family asks that memorials be given to Our Savior Lutheran Church in Niagara Falls.