Fran Kennel Kratz

Fran Kennel Kratz lived a life defined by her deep love for her family, selfless service to others, unwavering faith, compassion, and generosity. On June 28, 2026, at the age of 51, she entered into eternal peace, surrounded by those she loved, after a courageous journey with cancer.

Born on November 30, 1974, in Lancaster, Fran was the daughter of Larry and Marilyn (Headings) Kennel. She grew up in Mount Joy and graduated from Lancaster Mennonite High School before attending Elizabethtown College. She went on to earn her medical degree from the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, where she also completed her residency in emergency medicine, beginning a career devoted to caring for others.

Although she was an accomplished emergency medicine physician who deeply valued her profession, Fran's greatest joy was her family. She was a devoted wife to Steve and a loving and supportive mother to Lily, Logan, and Lucas. She treasured every opportunity to cheer on her children as they pursued their passions—whether watching Lily soar over jumps on horseback or spending countless evenings and weekends on the sidelines of Logan's and Lucas's soccer games. Their dreams became her dreams, and there was nowhere she would rather be than supporting them.

Family was the heartbeat of Fran's life. She enjoyed bringing her extended family together at the Slate Run cabin, where they made many memories. It was her peaceful place, and she loved sharing it with others. Fran loved the outdoors, visiting greenhouses, drawing and painting, decorating cookies, tubing on Pine Creek, horseback riding, attending sporting events, and vacationing with her family.

The desire to serve others was woven into every part of who Fran was. She cared for her patients with skill, compassion, and humility, treating each person with dignity and kindness. That same servant's heart extended far beyond the walls of the emergency department. Whether carefully gluing a niece's or nephew's forehead after an accident, taking phone calls from worried family members seeking medical advice, or meeting a loved one at the emergency room on her day off to ensure they received exceptional care, Fran was always ready to help. Caring for others wasn't something she did—it was who she was.

Even during her illness, Fran remained focused on those she loved. Her quiet courage and unwavering trust in God were an inspiration to all who walked beside her. She leaves behind a legacy of compassion and selfless service that lives on in the countless lives she touched—as a physician who healed, a devoted wife, a loving mother, a cherished daughter and sister, and a faithful friend. Though she will be deeply missed, her example will continue to inspire all who knew and loved her.

She is survived by her beloved husband of 30 years, Steve; her children, Lily, Logan, and Lucas; her parents, Larry and Marilyn (Headings) Kennel; her brother, Reuben (Donna) Kennel; her sister, Sarah (Scott) Haines; her brother, Nathan (Terah) Kennel; her parents-in-law, Ray and Mary Kratz; her brothers-in-law, Jeff Kratz, Jeremy (Leah) Kratz, and Phil (Jen) Kratz; 22 nieces and nephews; and many extended family members, friends, colleagues, and grateful patients whose lives were forever changed by knowing her.

She was preceded in death by her grandparents, Vernon and Mildred Kennel, and Howard and Miriam Headings.

Family and friends are invited to celebrate Fran's life on Friday, July 3, 2026, hosted by Branch Community Church, 3723 Ridge Road, Gordonville, PA 17529. A time of visitation will be held from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m., followed by a memorial service at 11:00 a.m. Family members are invited to remain after the service for a meal together.

The family is deeply grateful to the physicians, nurses, and staff of Lancaster Cancer Center and Caring Hospice Services for the compassionate care and support they provided throughout Fran's journey. Their kindness, encouragement, and dedication brought comfort not only to Fran, but to our entire family, and we will always be grateful.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Fran’s Name to the Healing Journey Foundation. https://www.healingjourneyfoundation.org/