Dolores K. Kratochvil

Dolores K. (Ellis) Kratochvil, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, and great grandmother passed away peacefully on Saturday, June 26, 2021, at the Reed City Nursing Home. She was born in Mikado on February 1, 1938, to the late Frank M. Ellis and Kathryn E. (Kuenzli) Ellis. Dolores graduated from Oscoda High School in 1956 and kept in close contact with her friends from OHS and the Class of ’56, as she considered many of them to be her extended family of brothers and sisters. For many years, Dolores helped organize their OHS Class reunions so they wouldn’t lose contact with each other. On April 25, 1957, Dolores married the love of her life, Raymond L. Kratochvil after he was honorably discharged from the United States Air Force in 1956. Following their wedding, they made their home in Oscoda where they raised their four children, Darla (Jerry) Fleming of Hawks, Kevin (Jeanene) Kratochvil of San Bernardino Calif., Shari (Michael) Chamberlain of Big Rapids and Kent (Becky) Kratochvil of Granger, Ind. Dolores and Ray were married for 56 years. Being with her family was what Dolores adored most. Her six grandchildren, Andrea, Jared, Jennifer, Kayla, Benjamin, and Andrew; and three great-grandchildren, Tyler, Riley and Dylan were her everything. She was immensely proud of them. Dolores cherished the holidays that brought everyone together to enjoy each other’s company and feast on their favorite foods. Dolores was a wonderful cook and made many great dishes, but some of her family’s favorites were Beef Burgundy, Cheap Casserole; Duck and Dumplings; chocolate sheet cake; chocolate chip, peanut butter and Lemon Criss-Cross cookies; and her famous homemade chocolate turtle candies. Family time often meant playing cards or board games, putting together jigsaw puzzles, and rooting for her favorite Michigan sports teams – Detroit Tigers, Red Wings, Lions, and Pistons or MSU and UofM. Her favorite athlete of all time was Al Kaline from the Detroit Tigers. At a young age, Dolores started working at Roger’s Department Store and then, McGill’s Department store. She later used her sewing and baking/cake decorating talents to open her own business – The Rainbow Boutique and Bridal Shop. She owned the Boutique until her retirement in 1998. Dolores is survived by her four children; six grandchildren; three great-grandchildren; one sister, Shirley Owens; one sister-in-law Irene Regelean of Lincoln, Nebraska and many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her husband; parents; brother-in-law, Jerry Regelean; and nephew, Ryan Regelean. Dolores will be remembered for her beautiful smile and warm hugs. Per her wishes, cremation will take place. Memorial donations are suggested to the charity of your choice. Arrangements were made through Gillies Funeral Home in Lincoln, Michigan. There will be a graveside service Saturday, September 25, 2021 at the Mikado Cemetery at 2:00 PM. To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Dolores K. Kratochvil, please visit our flower store.