Marvin Kratochvil

NORFOLK — Marvin Kratochvil, 90, died Tuesday, March 18, 2014, at the Nebraska Heart Institute in Lincoln. Services will be at 10:30 a.m. Saturday at Stonacek Funeral Chapel, Norfolk, with graveside service at 2 p.m. at Fairview Cemetery, rural Creston. Military rites will be by Pieper Post 306 and Nebraska Army National Guard. Visitation will be 4-8 p.m. Friday at the funeral home. The Rev. Jerry Scheffler and Rev. Tino Naranjo will officiate. He was born Nov. 12, 1923, at Clarkson to Anton and Ann (Schauer) Kratochvil. He attended Clarkson Public Schools and graduated from Creston. He served during World War II from May 25, 1945, to Oct. 1, 1946. Marvin did his basic training in Fort Leavenworth, Kan. He served at Fort Meyer, Va., and at the Pentagon as communications chief. Marvin was a rifle sharp shooter, was awarded the World War II Victory Medal and was honorably discharged from Fort Sheridan, Ill. He married Helen Virginia Ritter on March 9, 1947, at First Presbyterian Church in Creston. After marriage, Helen and Marvin farmed in Stanton County. Marvin’s hobbies were gardening, as he enjoyed growing things, bowling, horseshoes and playing pitch. Marvin bowled in a league in which he recorded two perfect games. He also played the accordion, guitar and bugle. Marvin was still active in farming this past year. He was a member of the American Legion in Creston, National Farmers Organization, an ordained elder of the Presbyterian Church in Creston, played “Taps” every Memorial Day at Creston and served on rural school boards in Stanton County. Survivors are children Ellen and husband Kenneth McCurdy of Fremont, David Kratochvil of Madison, Kathy and husband Rev. Tino Naranjo of Norfolk, Karen and husband Kevin Raatz of Norfolk; 15 grandchildren; 30 great-grandchildren; one brother, Cyril and wife Dona Kratochvil of Fairbury; and sisters-in-law Mary Nagy of Downingtown, Pa., Donna Ritter of Creston, Ruth Ritter of Phoenix, Ariz. and Emily Kratochvil of Arvada, Colo.; and sons-in-law Terry Cranston of Grand Island and Jerry Scheffler of Lincoln. He was preceded in death by wife Helen Virginia; parents Anton and Ann; two daughters, Beth Scheffler and Linda Cranston; one son-in-law, Cliff Muhsman; and daughter-in-law Kathleen Kratochvil.Condolences may be expressed to the family online at www.stonacekfuneralchapel.com. Special music will be by Giselle Montalvo (granddaughter) with congregational hymns “All Things Bright and Beautiful,” “For the Beauty of the Earth” vs. 1-4 and “We Plow the Fields and Scatter.” Casket bearers will be Jeremy Scheffler, Joshua Scheffler, Christopher Kratochvil, John Samuelson, Douglas Muhsman, Mark Muhsman and Jesse Ferguson.

Tributes

Marvin Kratochvil

November 12, 1923 - March 18, 2014