Raymond L. Kratochvil

Raymond L. Kratochvil, 82, of Oscoda, passed away Thursday, October 31, 2013, at Saginaw Cooper Covenant Hospital. Born May 23, 1931 to Edward and Marie (Kubicek) Kratochvil in Wilber, Nebraska, he was raised there and in Elmwood NE. Raymond served in the United States Air Force during the Korean Conflict, and was honorably discharged in 1956, at Wurtsmith Air Force Base in Oscoda. On April 25, 1957, he married Dolores Ellis in Oscoda, where they were longtime residents. Raymond worked as a machinist at Starboard Industries, retiring in 1990. He loved to dance, and enjoyed music, especially polka and Big Band. He was an avid Nebraska Cornhusker football fan, and also enjoyed NASCAR racing. He was a car enthusiast, and liked seeing old cars. Known by his family as “Mr. Fix It,” he was very handy, and made countless home repairs. Raymond is survived by his wife of 56 years, Dolores, four children, Darla (Jerry) Fleming of Hawks; Kevin (Jeanene) Kratochvil of San Bernardino CA; Shari (Michael) Chamberlain of Big Rapids; and Kent (Becky) Kratochvil of Granger IN, four grandchildren, Andrea, Jared, Jennifer, and Kayla, three great grandchildren, Tyler, Riley, and Dylan, and one sister, Irene Regelean of Lincoln NE. He was preceded in death by his parents and brother-in-law, Jerry Regelean. Per Mr. Kratochvil’s wishes, his body has been donated to the University of Michigan Medical School. A private memorial service has been held. Memorial donations are suggested to the charity of your choice. Arrangements were made through Gillies Funeral Home, Lincoln, MI. To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Raymond L. Kratochvil, please visit our flower store.