James J. Kratochvil, age 76, of New Prague died peacefully in his home with his family by his side on Friday, July 25, 2025. Jim was born on September 25, 1948, in New Prague to Wenceslaus "Vinny" and Agnes (Machacek) Kratochvil. A lifelong resident of New Prague, Jim attended St. Wenceslaus Parochial School, graduated from New Prague High School and went on to complete his associate degree at Dunwoody Technical College in Masonry.
One wonders if Jim and Anita Giesen noticed each other as high school classmates as they didn't start dating until after high school. They found true lasting love in each other however and were married on October 18, 1969, at St. John's Catholic Church in Union Hill. Jim built and died in the house that they lived in their entire married life. It was in this house where they raised their family and created lifelong memories.
After graduating from Dunwoody, he worked first for his father at Kratochvil Construction Company (KCCo). When Vinny retired, Jim took the reins and owned and operated the company founded by his grandfather. Throughout his career he worked on projects throughout the state. Some of the most notable jobs were at Mankato State, St. Olaf and Carleton where he was a trusted vendor. However, the projects that he worked on in New Prague made him most proud. Many of the local banks, St. Wenceslaus campus and Queen of Peace Hospital were either built or renovated by Jim and his crews with extra care.
Jim was dedicated to the community of New Prague. He was a member of the New Prague Fire Department for 26 years and served as Chief during his last 4 years of service. Additionally, he served the community as a two-term City Council member and on the Planning and Zoning commission. Jim was also a member of the Knights of Columbus, the St. Wenceslaus Catholic Community and multiple other civic organizations.
While Jim's footprint was large in the community, his greatest love in life was his family. He looked forward to cheering on his children and grandchildren at all of their activities both near and far. He loved attending the many sporting events they were involved in (football, basketball, baseball, wrestling, volleyball and hockey) as well as the arts (concerts, plays and recitals). They all made him proud. Time with family at the cabin up north created countless memories and he made sure that all were able to enjoy it's beauty.
An outdoorsman at heart, Jim loved fishing and hunting and sharing those times with friends, children and grandchildren. He was a talented woodworker and created beautiful works of art for his family and friends and as donations to organizations. There will be family heirlooms handed down for generations. He was also an avid gardener and particularly enjoyed snacking on the raspberries and blueberries that he grew. Jim was a beekeeper for the last five years and was a favorite target of his "kids" in the hives. He spent many, many hours each Spring in the woods with family and friends tapping maple trees and producing top notch maple syrup.
Jim's outward demeanor and presence could certainly be interpreted as intimidating, stern and tough. Although he could be all of those, he was also caring, thoughtful and a treasured friend and mentor to those that came to know him. He was described as a man's man, a man amongst men and a man of few words. He led by example and held high standards. Jim was always on the ready to provide assistance often times before being asked. A pillar of the community in both structure and stature, Jim's presence will be sorely missed by all.
Jim is survived by his loving wife, Anita; children, Jamee (Sean) O'Neill of New Prague, Andy (Shannon) Kratochvil of Nisswa, Paul Kratochvil (fiancé, Melissa Mansfeldt) of New Prague, Katie (Brad) Novak of New Prague; grandchildren, Molly (Rylan) Hiniker, Hallie O'Neill (fiancé, Fabian Rodriguez), Brady (Sarah) O'Neill, Maggie O'Neill, Quinn (Ryan) Poehls, Britt Kratochvil (fiancé, Nathan Traut), Cullen, Ella & Vince Kratochvil, Laci & Landen Kratochvil, Ben, Sam, Henry & James Novak, siblings; Carol Carlson of Houston, TX, Deborah (Steven) Carpentier of Faribault, Barbara Prchal of New Prague, John Kratochvil of New Prague, Theresa (Jim) Mahowald of New Prague. He is preceded in death by his parents, brothers-in-law, Michael Carlson and Fred Prchal and Godson Richard Carlson.
Mass of Christian Burial will be held Friday, August 1, 2025, at 10:00am at St. Wenceslaus Church with Father Eugene Theisen officiating. Mass will be live-streamed on npcatholic.org. Visitation will take place on Thursday from 4-8pm and Friday morning from 7:30-9:30am at Bruzek Funeral Home. Burial will occur at St. Wenceslaus Cemetery followed by a luncheon at the KC Hall.
In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to St. Wenceslaus School.
