September 5 2018: KRACKE, William Irvin

WILLIAM IRVIN KRACKE (Age 77)

Passed away on Tuesday, October 24, 2017, of Silver Spring, MD. Beloved father of Kristen Kracke-Bock (Joe) and Kurtis Unruh Kracke (Julia); grandfather of Jonah, Caleb, Jacob and Karis. He is also survived by his brother, Fredrick Kracke; his niece (Mary) and his two nephews (Gil and David). Bill dedicated his life to the betterment of others and did so selflessly as a US Air Force Captain and Flight Surgeon in Vietnam and throughout the remainder of his career as a doctor. Bill graduated from Baylor College of Medicine in 1966 and completed his psychiatric residency in 1972 at the University of Texas Medical Center. He then dedicated 40 years to private practice in Amarillo, Texas as one of the most sought after psychiatrists in the panhandle. While he defined himself proudly and primarily as a doctor and psychiatrist, Bill also lived fully and joyfully in each moment and knew how to seize all that life offers. He was a role model for friends and family on how to enjoy life and he did so passionately whether it was skiing slopes, hiking the Maroon Bells, white water rafting, watching the moon rise, running marathons, bicycle riding in the mountains, writing poetry, learning to make stained glass, playing southwestern wooden instruments, sharing a drag race car and working as pit crew, or wining and dining and taking in the symphony as only a few examples of his broad interests and thirst for life. He was a true Renaissance man and embraced every new opportunity or experience he could find. His life came full circle when he returned home to Maryland where he was born to live near family and share his latter years with the people who loved him most. Inurnment Service at Arlington National Cemetery Columbarium will be held on Wednesday, September 19, 2018 at 9 AM. Everyone attending please meet at the cemetery administration building at 8:15 AM. Contributions in his memory may be made to National Alliance on Mental Health (NAMI) of Texas, P.O. Box 300817, Austin,TX 78703.

Please Click Here to View and Sign Online Guestbook