Harlan J Gratz

GRATZ, Harlan J., age 70 of Vandalia, passed away Friday, May 2, 2008 at his residence. Harlan was born on 24 Sep 37 in Mandan, ND to his parents, Helen & George. He spent his early years in Valley City, ND, where as a teenager he was full of pee and vinegar! In 1955, he joined the Army National Guard, becoming a PFC in Company A, 141st Engineer Battalion in Valley City, where he served until 1957. He then did a short stint at VC State Teachers College from 1955 to 1956. Harlan then got serious about his education and in 1957, went to Parks College of Aeronautical Technology, St. Louis University, where he earned his undergraduate degree in Engineering in 1960. While in St. Louis, Harlan met and fell in love with Charlene, and they were married September 30, 1961. They have two sons, Steve and Ken (Laura); and 4 grandchildren, Nathan Abney, Patrisha, Nicholas & Natalie Gratz. Harlan started working at the AeroPropulsion Laboratory in January 1961. He was given increasing responsibilities, and quickly moved up the management chain, occupying several supervisory positions. In 1976, the Air Force sent Harlan to school again, this time as a full-time student to the University of Dayton, where he earned a Masters Degree in Management Science. In 1985, Harlan was handpicked to join the newly established Signature Technology Directorate. Harlan was thus one of the founding fathers. He was Division Chief of the AeroPropulsion & Configuration Division, where he managed and directed a broad range of Air Force exploratory and advanced technology development programs. He has served as an Air Force expert for all Low Observable research in aeropropulsion and configuration, and is a recognized national authority in these areas. He has completed 34 years of government service as Chief of Flight Sciences Division, Signature Technology office. Funeral services will be held at 4:00 pm, Monday, May 5 at the Morton & Whetstone Funeral Home, 139 S. Dixie Dr., Vandalia with Rev. Ronald Hajarian officiating. The family will receive friends at the funeral home on Monday from 2-4 pm. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the American Heart Association in Harlans memory.