A Pillar of the Community

 Death has a way of rearing its ugly head at the most inopportune times.  November is frequently associated with the time for thanksgiving, but sometimes sadness overcomes the joy and happiness found in this feast.  A couple of examples would include the assassination of President on Nov. 22, 1963 (all of us likely remember when we learned of his tragic death) , and the wreck of the Great Lakes freighter SS Edmund Fitzgerald on Nov. 10, 1975, perhaps best remembered in the song "The Wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald" by Gordon Lightfoot (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Uu1GpQeYh5g and https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Wreck_of_the_Edmund_Fitzgerald )

This past November 9, 2023, death again visited our class when Patty Kratochvil, the wife of Mark of our class, passed away (https://www.rudesfuneralhome.com/obituary/patty-kratochvil).  

Words cannot truly express our thoughts on what a wonderful person Patty was, and how blessed she and Mark were able to be together for so many lovely years, and to raise a wonderful family. 

The scripture readings chosen for the funeral service reflect Patty's devotion to her faith, to her family, and to her community.  The eulogy given by her daughters was truly a celebration of Patty's life.  The funeral service is posted below;  if you wish to view the funeral service, you may go to:  https://boxcast.tv/view/patty-kratochvil-memorial-service-lmyuxrhvoisb2nn1zvbn?_gl=1*13wrzye*_ga*MTQ1ODAxNDQ3Ny4xNjgzMDM0Njky*_ga_PXBBF7HVWQ*MTcwMDQ4ODg4MC4yNS4xLjE3MDA0ODg5NDYuMC4wLjA.  A number of classmates were able to extend our condolences in person.  Perhaps you can spot them.  

Patty was a frequent guest on "The Great Afternoon Smorgasboard" program on KBRK.  This afternoon program was hosted by Grant Peterson for a number of years in the late 1990's to about 2010 or so.  Grant came to Brookings in the early 1960's to work on the radio.  He did the programming in the afternoon, taking over after Bert Getz had finished his stint.  When we were in high school, Grant and Bob Reimers also announced our basketball games (did they do football games, also?).  They would ride along on our bus trips.  On the chartered busses, there was usually a table in the middle, and the seats could be arranged to face each other.  The table frequently became the home for card games for whoever wanted to play (usually the announcers and coaches).  While talking with Mr. Peterson, Patty displayed her vast knowledge of her business "Threads of Memories," a store dealing in antiques and collectibles.  Her store was located in the old S and L building, which had entrances both on Main Avenue and 4th Street.  The name "Threads of Memories" was quite appropriate, as Patty was an excellent seamstress as well as being very knowledgeable in articles, items, and folklore from a bygone era.  

Our condolences go out to Mark and his family on the loss of his truly wonderful wife.  Her presence is the community may be missed, but not forgotten.