Remembering John Kratina

John was the last of the original Kratina family who were BEST FRIENDS with Grandma & Grandpa Smatla & our WHOLE family.  They’d known each other in “the old country’, and were absolutely splendid folks.   [did you know that the elder Mr. Kratina had driven an ambulance in WW-1?]  Ha!  I remember how Mrs. Kratina had the LOUDEST laugh on the planet, and was one of the VERY FEW people who could get Grandma to laugh out loud!  John was the LAST of the Czechs near Rossville with whom I could speak in the native tongue… not because there aren’t a few left who can ALSO speak it, but the particular variety (dialect if you will) that I’d learned as a little kid isn’t that common.. being oriented with when our forbearers came OVER here to the USA… i.e. pre WW-1.  As I’ve learned in the past few years, it’s the “Old Czech” and only used by the “older” folk…  mostly over here.  John was warm and friendly, like his parents, LOVED a good laugh, and a wealth of history and stories about the old AND new days.    Being with him in his house, sipping a cup of coffee… well, it was almost like being at the farm again.  Telling farm & military stories to each other, the hours would easily slip away.

 The last time I saw him was over Memorial Day last year.. he and his wife were at a large assisted-living/nursing center in Topeka and they were quite surprised that I’d make the effort to find them… I sat with them while they had their lunch, and remember John saying “no flavor…  guess we need some sauerkraut!”  I’d actually promised to bring one of the few remaining jars that Mom had made, that I still had… so he could have some REAL stuff…  owing to the virus’s effects on our social community and travel.. I never got to do that.

I’m filled with sorrow at his passing… not just because he was a friend for MANY years, but because he represented a last-remaining thread of connection to those hallowed times of yesteryear we can all remember.  I’ll find it SO very hard to pass by his place on 86^th. Street (remember when the roads DIDN’T HAVE NUMBERS OR NAMES?), just up the hill, East of the Bohemian Hall without stopping or honking as I always did.  His not being present atop the hilltop Czech cemetery for our Memorial Day gatherings will leave a very large hole.  …and oh, in years back, how I remember him coming into “the yard” on the farm on Docking Road in that beautiful dark-green, perfectly preserved 1940 Ford he used to drive.  It was absolutely original with NO modifications whatsoever, and he was so very proud of it… gosh, how I would have loved to have taken a ride in it.

How tough to see pieces of our history fade away…  To realize that those familiar faces that surrounded my existence for all these years, will no longer smile when they see me, and hear me speak my “fractured Czech”, owing from not hearing it much, anymore.  The grasses on the fields surrounding the cemetery will still resemble an ocean when winds blow across them, just as it was when I was a boy – plowing through them in Willard, with one of the dogs (Teddy & Bert).. back by the fence at the top of the cemetery, the big tree’s leaves will still make those comfortable rustling sounds and provide bountiful shade.. the far-off drone of train whistles will still float up, and the voices that live in our memories will be the only ones to remind us of simple times and warm people… who graced us with their love and friendship.

 Dobro Notz, Kluku… Tom Daily

John Kratina, Tom Dailey, Don Dailey, Tom Smatla – approx. 1952

John Kratina Passes Away (Updated)

Rossville—John D. Kratina, 85, passed away Friday, May 1, 2020, at Oakley Place in Rossville. 

On July 26, 1934, he was born in rural Rossville, the son of John R. and Helen (Hruska) Kratina. John was raised in the Moravian Czech community of Rossville attending Victor 101 Schoolhouse and graduated from Rossville High School. 

On November 18, 1955, Marjorie married John D. Kratina at the Rossville Presbyterian Church.

Over the years, John served his country through the military forces, United States Air Force and Reserves, Kansas Army Guard, Kansas Air National Guard.  Retiring in 1984 as a Crew Chief of the 190th squadron. 

Over the years, John dedicated his service to the Presbyterian Church of Rossville as a church board member overseeing the preservation of the building and property.  John was an active member of the 190 Air Combat Museum, where he donated weekly hours providing tours to the public during museum hours and air shows.  John was a member of the Czech Moravian Lodge No. 128.   John was an active member in preservation of the Moravian Lodge with his involvement in the teaching of the Czech heritage through organizing Polka dance lessons and Czech language lessons to families and members of the community.  John also supported the lodge in assisting with organization of Polka dances and kolache booths at community events. John was honored with the Fraternalist of the Year Award for his service to the organization.  John was active in the development and building of the Agriculture Hall of Fame, to honor the Agriculture leaders and farmers of Kansas.

John was an active member of the following organizations; Kansas Pickers and Fiddlers, Pickers and Singers, Czech Moravian Lodge No. 128 /Air Force Sergeants Assoc/Kansas Air National Guard Assoc./Jimmie Lillard American Legion Post 31

He was preceded in death by his parents, wife Marjorie Kratina, a brother George Kratina, a sister Mary Kratina and a brother-in-law, David Hitchcock. 

Personal qualities of John, we will always remember his outgoing personality, love of Czech heritage, love of music, storytelling along with his love for family, friends, God and country.  

Other survivors include his son, John M. (Cynthia) Kratina, Topeka; his daughter, Tammy (Dennis) Biswell, Wamego, a sister-in-law, Barbara Hitchcock, Silver Lake, grandchildren, Jesse (Holly) Kratina, Joshua Kratina, Amanda Kratina, Richard (Katie) Biswell, and Rebecca Biswell; great-grandchildren, Finnly Kratina and Asher Kratina. 

The Kratina and Biswell families would like to express their gratitude for the wonderful care given to John and Marjorie during their time at Oakley Place of Rossville.  

Memorial services and interment will be in the Czech Moravian Cemetery, near Rossville to be announced at a later date. Memorial contributions may be made to the Rossville Presbyterian Church or the Czech Moravian Lodge No. 128 and sent in care of Piper Funeral Home, 714 Maple Street, St. Marys, Kansas 66536. 

John Kratina of Rossville passed away one day after his wife Marjorie, who died April 30.   You can read Marjorie's obituary at: 
https://rossvilleksalumninews.blogspot.com/2020/04/marjorie-kratina-passes-away.html

Greg Hesse Is Counsel In Anti-Trust Case

RHS Hall of Famer Greg Hesse has spent his month of April in Covid-19 quarantine working on  a big antitrust case involving Dean Foods, Food Lion supermarkets, and  Maryland and Virginia Milk Producers.  Greg Hesse, of Huntoon Andrews Kurth LLP,  represents Food Lion, LLC.  

Brian Ketter Passes Away

Brian Matthew Ketter, 53, of Excelsior Springs, Missouri passed away on April 29, 2020. Brian was born on March 3, 1967 in Delia, Kansas to the late Leslie Ketter and Connie (Harris) Rathbun. He married Danae (Lentz) Ketter at their home on August 28, 1998 in Excelsior Springs, Missouri.

Brian was an honest and giving man who was loved by his family and had a servant heart. He enjoyed spending time with his wife, daughters and his grandchildren. Brian was full of pride as he walked his two daughters down the aisle and gave them away to their loving husbands. His proudest accomplishments were serving his country as a soldier and also as a civilian, and being a papaw (Harley had him wrapped around her finger). Some of Brian’s hobbies included fishing, riding his motorcycle, spending time with his family, welding and watching the Chiefs and the Jayhawks.

Brian will be missed the most for his selflessness, ability to make people laugh, and his unending love for his family, especially his granddaughter, Harley. Brian was a hard worker, a content and passionate man, and was very patriotic. He would do anything for his family.

He was preceded in death by his father Leslie A. Ketter.

Survivors include his wife Danae Ketter of the home, daughters Lauren (Brady) Moppin and Allison (Brian) VanTill, grandchildren Harley and Hudson Moppin, mother Connie Rathbun, father and mother in law Calvin and Delores Lentz, sisters Tina and Leana Ketter, and multiple nieces and nephews.

The Smatla's Family Radio

The "Willard Radio".  On this radio, a 1941 Montgomery-Ward Airline table model, the Smatlas listened to President Roosevelt announce the bombing of Pearl Harbor and our entry into World War II on December 8^th, 1941 (the attack was on the 7^th)..  Uncles Hank & Ben were already in the Navy.  Ben gradulated from Boot Camp in August of that year, and Hank had already seen action in the North Atlantic escorting Allied convoys and fighting German U Boats.

 I remember listening to to this radio when I was a very little boy (late 1944 - 1946) in Willard, and after 1951, North of Rossville.  Typically, it was turned on only TWICE a day for the Morning weather, and at Noon, for the farm reports and again, the weather.  Mom told me that MUCH LATER on, Aunts Alice, Marie, and Mom would sometimes sneak a listen to radio shows like The Great Gildersleeve, Fibber McGee & Molly, Our Miss Brooks, and others.  In those early days, it was ALWAYS tuned to 580 kilocycles – WIBW in Topeka.

Now, electronically restored, it sings of times gone past and a history of our family and our nation.

By  former Rossvillian Tom Dailey.

RHS on Dominant Football List

Here is an article about the best Kansas football programs of the last decade. Rossville and Silver Lake made the list.
https://www.maxpreps.com/news/oxVulzCBNEyQZ919c5AMaA/top-20-most-dominant-kansas-high-school-football-programs-of-the-last-decade.htm

Lexi Cobb Short Of Goal

Silver Lake senior Lexi Cobb saw her chances for four state championships in volleyball and softball dashed with the C-19 pandemic. 
https://www.cjonline.com/sports/20200430/spring-senior-salute-silver-lakersquos-cobb-sees-title-quest-end-short-of-goal

Marjorie Kratina Passes Away (Updated)

Rossville—Marjorie Ann Kratina, 83, passed away Thursday, April 30, 2020, at Oakley Place in Rossville where she and her husband lived. 

On April 29, 1937, she was born in rural Silver Lake, the daughter of Elmer John and Agnes B. (Fleming) Crawshaw. Marjorie was raised in the Silver Lake community and graduated from Silver Lake High School. 

In her youth, Marjorie was active in 4H and continued her love of the organization through coaching her own children in projects and serving as a club project leader.  

Over the years, Marjorie dedicated her service to the Presbyterian Church of Rossville as a Sunday School teacher, Vacation Bible School teacher and a member of the Church Board. Marjorie was also a member of the United Presbyterian Women's organization where she served as secretary.

Marjorie worked for Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas and Luce Press Clipping Bureau. At Luce Press Clipping Bureau in Topeka, she was an editor for 23 years. She retired in 2000. Marjorie was a member of the Rossville Presbyterian Church and also was a member of the Czech Moravian Lodge No. 128, Rossville.  Marjorie supported the Moravian Lodge with her love of baking, making kolaches for events with the lodge.  

She was preceded in death by her parents, a brother, Robert Crawshaw, and a brother-in-law, David Hitchcock. 

On November 18, 1955, Marjorie married John D. Kratina at the Rossville Presbyterian Church. He survives. 

Other survivors include her son, John M. (Cynthia) Kratina, Topeka; her daughter, Tammy (Dennis) Biswell, Wamego, a sister, Barbara Hitchcock, Silver Lake,  grandchildren, Jesse (Holly) Kratina, Joshua Kratina, Amanda Kratina, Richard (Katie) Biswell, and Rebecca Biswell; great-grandchildren, Finnly Kratina and Asher Kratina. 

Marjorie had a deep love for her savior Jesus Christ serving him through her loving spirit, being a prayer warrior and caring for her family and friends. She will be deeply missed by all who knew her and we look forward to the day we see her again.   

Memorial services and interment will be in the Czech Moravian Cemetery, near Rossville to be announced at a later date. Memorial contributions may be made to the Rossville Presbyterian Church or the Czech Moravian Lodge No. 128 and sent in care of Piper Funeral Home, 714 Maple Street, St. Marys, Kansas 66536.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Marjorie A. (Crawshaw) Kratina, please visit our floral store.

Mikeys Has Takeouts

Shop Locally.  Mikeys has food for take-out.

We are open for Dinner takeouts from 5:00-7:30 PM. Check out our new online ordering system through Facebook Page. Use the below link or select the "See Menu & Order" option on our facebook page and place the order.

https://www.foodbooking.com/api/fb/_p_z71v

Alumni Reunion Dinner Canceled

The Rossville High Alumni reunion and scholarship presentation scheduled for June 6th has been cancelled due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

RHS Alumni Foundation Scholarships

The Rossville High Alumni Foundation has announced the three winners of the Foundations scholarships awarded to Rossville High Seniors.  This year each awardee will receive a $1,500 scholarship.    Winners are Kaleb Badura, Alexandra Broughton and Leah Hudson.  Kaleb will attend Washburn University studying Radiologic Technology in the Health Sciences field.  Alexandra will study Aerospace Engineering at Wichita State University.  Leah will attend Kansas State University majoring in Agronomy.   The RHS Alumni Foundation has awared over $35,000 in scholarships since 1999. 

James Lloyd "Jim" Schwartz Passes Away

James Lloyd "Jim" Schwartz

On the evening of April 21, 2020, Jim passed away peacefully of natural causes while being comforted by family members at Wesley Medical Center. Jim was 79 years old.

Born in Kansas City, Kansas, he was the first child of Donna Ruth Conkle and Lloyd Gay Schwartz, M.D. Jim grew up in Topeka where he was known as "the lemon drop kid", the cycling paperboy who always hit your front porch with precision. He set the record for sit-ups at Boswell Jr. High, surpassed only by his little brother, Charlie. Jim graduated Topeka High in 1958 with the nickname "Elvis" because of his pompadour, ducktail and guitar. He played guitar for many traveling musicians appearing at the Topeka Municipal Auditorium in the late 50's and early 60's. Jim received his Bachelors Degree in Music Education at Washburn University of Topeka, majoring in Voice. Although recommended for training in Opera, Jim wanted to play and teach. He taught public school music in Dennison, Jackson Heights and Rossville school districts for 9 years, while playing and singing music professionally in Topeka. He traveled throughout the U.S. and Canada playing in bands ranging from the young 70's duo "Jim & Susie" to a Lynyrd Skynyrd tribute band who called him "Grandpa", except the lead guitar player who called him Dad. He was a lifetime member of the Episcopal Church and enjoyed leisure time with family at his country home in Eureka.

Jim was preceded in death by grandson Tavian James Johnson, Wichita; brother Charles Schwartz, Mansfield, Mo. and parents Lloyd and Donna Schwartz, Topeka. James is survived by his wife Susette "Susie" M. Jacobs Schwartz, Eureka; son Sean (Cindy) Schwartz, Eureka; daughter Raina Schwartz-Johnson, Eureka; son Dustin Schwartz, Eureka; grandchildren Taylyn (Lance) Barkley, El Dorado; Ashlen Schwartz, Pittsburg; Kaman Johnson, Eureka; Amari Schwartz, Eureka; Jack Jones, Eureka; great-granddaughter Tate Barkley, El Dorado; and sister Peggy Case, Midland, Texas.

A private Graveside Service will be held.

Lundin and Paulsen Earn Nursing Scholarships

The Harriet Hayes Austin Memorial Scholarship for Nursing was established by the family of Harriet Hayes Austin in 2003 to honor her memory and carry on her legacy of caring for others.

The winners: ChrisAnn Beeson, Washburn Rural High School; Chloe Carter, Seaman High School; Kinlyn Lundin, Rossville High School; Sam Moore, St. Mary’s High School; Michaela Paulsen, Rossville High School.

Kinlyn Lundin

Michaela Paulsen

John "Hank" Stockman (61) Passes Away

    John Henry "Hank" Stockman, 78 passed away Saturday, April 25, 2020, at the Community Hospital in St. Marys.  No services are planned at this time.   He was a member of the RHS Class of 1961.
    To send flowers or leave condolences,  go to:       https://www.piperfuneralhome.com/obituary/John-Stockman