Born on December 12, 1950, in Cuba, he was the son of Clifford Lewis Kratts and Rosanne Wilson Rogers.

Steve grew up in Cuba, New York and graduated from Cuba Central School in 1970. While in high school he joined the United States Navy inactive reserve and went active duty on July 13, 1970 and was honorably discharged on October 26, 1986.

After recruit training, he was assigned to the USS Epperson serving in Pearl Harbor for two Pacific Cruises with an eleven-month service in the waters of Vietnam, in which he helped supply Naval Gunfire Support and Currier Escort Services. He also served in Keflavic Iceland and the Persian Gulf during the Iran Hostage Crisis.

He was awarded the National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Ribbon, Vietnam Campaign, Combat Action, and Sea Service Deployment Ribbons, Meritorious Unit Commendation, NAVY unit Commendation, Navy Expeditionary Medal, and Three Good Conduct Medals for his service.

Steve received his Associates Degree in Applied Science from Alfred State College.

From 1988-1992 he had worked for Current Controls in Wellsville. He was a free-lance writer for the Cuba Patriot covering local events from 1994-2010 and also delivered papers. He also served as a Crossing Guard from 1994-2010 and volunteered at the Cuba Senior Citizens site.

He was a member and held various offices in the Cuba VFW Post 2721, Cuba American Legion Post 655, Friendship American Legion Post 1168, AmVets Post 1 of Cuba, Allegany County American Legion, Allegany County Veterans Organization, Cuba Grange 799, and Allegany County Pomona Grange.

He is survived by son-in-law, John Hendon VI; 3 grandchildren, Phil Dyne Hendon, Lilith Marie Hendon and John Thomas Hendon VII; his siblings, Lewis (Joyce) Kratts of Cuba, William (Julie) Kratts of Kentucky, Mary Kalita of Tennessee, Christine Anne Kratts of Cuba and Mark V. Kratts of Olean; several nieces and nephews; and special friend, Susan Denley.

In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by a daughter Theresa Hendon.

The family will receive friends at the Mark F. Rinker Funeral Home & Memorial Service, Inc. 9 Bull Street, Cuba, on Thursday, February 20, 2025 from 10:00 A.M. until Noon. A Funeral Service will immediately follow at Noon. Branch President Daniel Howe, will officiate.

Burial will be in Pleasant Valley Cemetery, Olean, New York.

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