Dick Kratoska

Richard “Dick” Kratoska, age 93 of Marshalltown, passed away on Tuesday, December 17, 2024 at The Willows of Marshalltown, under the care of St. Croix Hospice.

Funeral Services will be held at 11:00 A.M. on Monday, December 23, 2024 at Mitchell Family Funeral Home, with visitation held one hour prior. Burial will be in Rose Hill Memorial Gardens. Please feel free to wear casual and Hawkeye attire.

Born June 16, 1931, in Chelsea, IA. He was the son of Charles & Louise (Hayek) Kratoska. Dick attended school in Chelsea where he played basketball and graduated in 1949. He was drafted to the US Army and proudly served in the Korean War as a tank mechanic. Upon return from serving, he began working at Lennox Industries.

Dick met the love of his life, Mary Petersen, at the Forest Park Dance Hall. They were united in marriage in 1958 at St. Mary’s Catholic Church. Together they made their home in Marshalltown, where they raised their two daughters.

Dick worked for Lennox over 40 years before retiring. He always had a 2nd job to ensure they enjoyed a family vacation every year.

In his free time, Dick loved gardening, fishing, watching Hawkeye basketball & football, and collecting Farmall model tractors and other model banks. Dick always had music playing and loved a good polka and any classic country. He loved spending time with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Dick and Mary enjoyed dancing, decades of neighborhood fellowship on Ratcliffe Drive, and their trips with family and friends.

His final years were spent living at The Willows where he enjoyed breakfast with the boys, field trips, BINGO, weekly musical entertainment, and all the amazing staff.

Those left to cherish his memory are his two daughters: Shelly (Rick) Karr and Sheila (Bill) Turnbull; grandchildren: Tonya (Jim) Rock, Mandy (Michael) Hanson, Jake Turnbull and Allie Turnbull; great-grandchildren: CPL Landan McManus USMC, Nolan McManus, Lincoln Rock, Maverick Rock, Havilah Hanson, and Lorelei Hanson; along with several nieces and nephews.

In death, he is reunited with his loving wife Mary, his parents and his brother Paul (Darlagene) Kratoska.

Mitchell Family Funeral Home has been entrusted to care for Richard and his family. To leave online condolences, please visit www.mitchellfh.com. Ph. 641-844-1234.

Memorial donations may be directed to the University of Iowa Stead Family Children’s Hospital.