The Speaker, on behalf of the entire membership of the House of Representatives, offered the following resolution:

            House Resolution No. 11

            A resolution offered as a memorial for Jerry Kratz, State Representative from the Sixty-fifth District.

            Whereas, The members and staff of the Michigan Legislature join with the people of  his Jackson County community in expressing our shock at the passing of Representative Jerry Kratz.  In our grief over the loss of this talented and energetic educator and public servant, we offer our heartfelt sympathies to his family; and

            Whereas, Jerry Kratz devoted his entire life to others.  He was first and foremost a teacher, whose passion for encouraging the next generations never waned.  From his first job as an art teacher right out of college to his most recent efforts in sponsoring the House's first bills this session--bills on education issues--Jerry Kratz stood up for children and families like the dad that he was.  A graduate of Wayne State University with bachelor's, master's, and doctoral degrees, Jerry Kratz also distinguished himself as an able administrator, with service as a superintendent of the Novi Community School District from 1972 to 1980 and the Jackson Intermediate School District from 1980 to 2001; and

            Whereas, Taking his energies and talents to the Michigan House of Representatives was a natural progression for Jerry Kratz.  His innate enthusiasm and unselfishness became apparent to his new colleagues in short order.  Indeed, with the character and warmth he had shared in early meetings at the Capitol, it is clear that Michigan has lost a most remarkable man.  As we mourn the passing of one taken from us far too soon, however, we are deeply grateful for his gifts to our state over his lifetime as an educator; now, therefore, be it

            Resolved by the House of Representatives, That we offer this standing accolade of tribute to honor the memory of our friend and colleague, Representative Jerry Kratz.  May his family find some measure of comfort and peace in the realization that his unselfish life will long continue to touch others; and be it further

            Resolved, That copies of this resolution be transmitted to the Kratz family as evidence of our lasting esteem for his memory.