Deacon Joseph Anthony Kratofil, Sr., born August 19, 1929, returned home to our Lord on March 29, 2015.
He was born August 19, 1929 to Michael Vincent Kratofil and Katherine Marie Vranicar in Butte, Montana, immigrants to this country from Croatia and Slovenia, respectively. Shortly after his birth, the family moved to Hamilton, Montana to farm in the Bitterroot Valley, where he was raised. He graduated from Hamilton High School in 1947 and then attended the University of Montana in Missoula, where he received a Bachelor of Arts in Education. He also held a Master’s Degree in Mathematics from Wayne State University. His first teaching position was in Stevensville, Montana where he taught high school mathematics and science. In 1961 he began several assignments as a civilian teacher of US military personnel’s children on Air Force bases in Libya, West Germany and the Philippine Islands. It was in the Philippines that he met his future spouse of 49 years, Mary Louise Berarducci. They were married in Detroit, Michigan on August 21, 1965. In 1966 they moved to Jackson, Michigan, where he taught mathematics at Parkside High School until his retirement in 1987. That same year, he was ordained a permanent deacon in the Roman Catholic Church, Diocese of Lansing. He served as a deacon at St. John the Evangelist Church in Jackson, Michigan. He had a special love for, and devoted much of his ministry to, persons with cognitive disabilities. He was an avid gardener and was a member of the Jackson Men’s Garden Club.
He is survived by his wife, Mary Louise; his son, Joseph Anthony Kratofil, Jr. (Theresa) of Grand Blanc, Michigan and daughter, Kathryn Louise Kratofil of Hudson, Michigan; a grandson, Thomas Joseph Kratofil and granddaughter, Michaela Anne Kratofil; and his brother Rudolph Kratofil (Bernice) of Hamilton, Montana. He was preceded in death by his parents; his brother John Kratofil; sister Theresa Rebish; brother Edward Kratofil; and brother Mark Stanley Kudasic.
The Mass of the Christian Burial was held on Wednesday, April 1, at St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church with The Most Rev. Earl Boyea, Bishop of Lansing, as the celebrant. Interment followed at St. John’s Catholic Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, contributions to the Rainbow Homes, 2111 Adelpha Ave, Apt. 3, Holt MI 48842, the Allegiance Hospice Home, One Jackson Square, 4th Floor, Jackson MI 49201, or to St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church would be appreciated.