Obituary for Ralph Ronald (Ron) Kratzenberg

Ralph Ronald (Ron) Kratzenberg, 86, of Huntsville passed away peacefully at home on October 27, 2026. Visitation will be on Saturday, November 7, 2026, at the Indian Lake Community Church Lighthouse in Russells Point from 1-4pm. Pastors Jim Ellington and Karen Blackburn will officiate a memorial service in the sanctuary at ILCC at 4pm. The Price-McElroy Funeral Home in Kenton is assisting the family with arrangements.

Ron was born on January 21, 1940 in Ironton, Ohio, to Ralph and Elizabeth Kratzenberg. He was the third of 4 boys. He graduated from Ironton High School, where he was an extraordinary athlete. He attended Kentucky Christian College and later, Wilmington College, where he earned a B.S. in Education. He married Cindee McCune on June 10, 1972 in Xenia, Ohio. They moved to Kenton in 1975.

Ron served in the Ohio National Guard from 1956 through 1969. He was a member of the Indian Lake Community Church, where he served as deacon and trustee, and worked to help community members through the Helping Hands.

Ron is survived by his loving wife, Cindee Kratzenberg, and 5 children: Steve (Lisa) Kratzenberg, of Logan, Ohio; Troy (Tesa) Kratzenberg of Logan, Ohio; Karyn (John) Price of Kenton, JJ (Katie Spatara) Kratzenberg of Columbus, and Lindsay (Matt) Phillips of Pickerington, Ohio; Grandchildren: Chad Kratzenberg, Tory (Ashley) Kratzenberg, and Tyson (Magie Yates) Kratzenberg, all of Logan, Ohio; Nikki (Joe) Manuel, of Racine; Ethan Price, of Kenton, Sara (Alex) Kissling, of Columbus, and Rachael (Shelby Carroll) Price, of Harrod; Kelton Waller and Lyric Waller, both of Pickerington; Dakota, Kaden and Jaryn Waller, all of Columbus; and Caleb and Dylan Phillips, of Pickerington; Great-grandchildren: Owen, Carson, Jayce, Aliyah, Marley, Callaway, Kaius, Canton, Londyn, Adeleena and Anika. He is survived by numerous nieces and nephews and his sister-in-law, Wanda Kratzenberg.

He was preceded in death by his parents, three brothers and one sister-in-law: William Kratzenberg, Robert (Joan) Kratzenberg, and Richard Kratzenberg.

Some men leave a legacy through their accomplishments, while others leave one through the lives they touch and the love they give. Ron did both. A devoted teacher, coach, husband, father and grandfather, Ron was a humble man whose impact reached far beyond the classroom or playing field. He was the kind of man people didn’t just respect; they genuinely loved him.

Ron began his teaching career at Kenton High School and concluded it at Indian Lake High School. For most of his career, he taught industrial arts, sharing his knowledge and skills with generations of students. During the final five years of his teaching career, he taught OWA. He also served as athletic director for 15 years and coached golf, boys’ and girls’ basketball, track, and football. Through his years in education and athletics, Ron helped shape young lives, teaching lessons that extended well beyond the classroom and the game.

Quiet and reserved by nature, Ron never sought the spotlight or needed recognition for the difference he made. His character spoke for itself. Beneath that quiet exterior was a sense of humor like no other and a genuine love for laughter. He had a way of making people laugh and turning ordinary moments into lasting memories. His humility, humor, and kindness made him someone people were fortunate to know and never likely to forget.

Above all else, Ron’s greatest joy was his family. They were his pride, his happiness, and the center of his world. He treasured the countless memories made traveling with family and friends, spending time at the beach, and enjoying the simple pleasures of camping together. These were the moments that mattered most to him: time spent with the people he loved.

And then there was Cindee, his beloved wife and best friend. Their relationship was the very definition of true love. Through thick and thin, life’s joys and its hardships, they stood beside one another, unwavering in their commitment and devotion. They built a life filled with love, laughter, friendship, and countless adventures. Theirs was a love demonstrated not just in words, but in the way they showed up for each other, day after day. The bond they shared was a beautiful example of what it means to find your person and walk through life together.

He lived with humility, loved wholeheartedly, and left this world better than he found it—not because he ever set out to be extraordinary, but because of the extraordinary way he lived.

Ron leaves behind a legacy that cannot be measured by titles or accomplishments alone. It lives on in the students he taught, the athletes he coached, the friendships he cherished, and the family who will forever carry his love with them.

Memorials can be made to:The Indian Lake Athletic Department ℅ Indian Lake High School, 6210 St. Rt. 235N, Lewistown, OH 43333, or The Indian Lake Community Church, P.O. Box 457, Russells Point, OH 43348 or the Logan County Angels United Way of Logan County. 653 S. Main St. Bellefontaine, OH 43311, Attn: Logan County Angels.

Online condolences may be expressed at pricefh.net.