Frank H. Cratsenberg

Frank H. “Cratz” Cratsenberg passed away on January 15, 2025.

Frank was born on August 18, 1936, in Bellingham, WA to Howard and Fern Cratsenberg. Frank graduated from Burlington-Edison High School and attended Skagit Valley College. He married the love of his life, Helen, and they began their life together in Juneau, AK, where Frank entered the Army and was stationed in Juneau with the Alaska Communication Systems. They later returned to Washington where he was employed with Puget Sound Energy in both Island and Whatcom Counties.

Frank was an “all-American dad” with humor and personality plus. He particularly enjoyed hanging out with Helen and his family. He was involved with Community Clubs, youth sports, teaching Sunday school, and he particularly loved conversing with his “brother-friend Fred,” and his other friends commonly known as the “Coffee Guys” when they met at Haggen for morning coffee and talks.

Frank was preceded in death by his son Brian in 2020. He is survived by his wife of 67 years, Helen, daughters Vickie Chaplik (Dan), Nancy Edmonds (Jon), and daughter-in-law Marcia Cratsenberg. He beamed with pride over his grandchildren Lacey Cratsenberg, Brayden and Keaton Chaplik, Kohl, Brant and Ava Edmonds, and his faithful pup Steffi. He is also survived by special brother-friend Fred Schacht, his wife Margy, their children Mike, Karen, Keith, and Amy and their families.

Those who wish to remember Frank in a special way may make gifts in his memory to the Whatcom Humane Society, St. Jude Children's Research hospital, or Trinity Lutheran Church Music Ministry.

A memorial service honoring Frank will be held on Saturday, January 25th at 11:00am at Trinity Lutheran Church, 119 Texas St. Bellingham, WA.