Dr. Ernest Louis "Doc" Kratina, Jr. 77, of Delia, Kansas, passed away Friday, January 27, 2023.
He was born July 9, 1945, in Dayton, Ohio, the son of Ernest L. and Wilma J. (Hotzel) Kratina, Sr. He was a graduate of Seaman High School and received his doctorate from Kansas State University. He served in the U.S. Army, Kansas Army National Guard and Army Reserves for a total of 23 years of service, retiring at the rank of Colonel.
Dr. Kratina owned and operated Rossville Veterinary Clinic beginning in 1975 until current.
He was a member of Golden Rule Lodge # 90, AF & AM, Kaw Valley Scottish Rite Bodies (K.C.C. H.); Auburn, Kansas Masonic Lodge; National Sojourners and Arab Shrine in Topeka. He served as past president and on the board of directors of TARC and was member and treasurer of Moravan Lodge No. 128.
Doc married Sheila R. (Green) Salsbery on September 30, 1978 in Topeka. She survives in Delia. Other survivors include two children, Michelle (Alfred) Vogeles in Portland, OR and Ernie (Brooke) Kratina of Delia; four grandchildren, Hans, Dieter, Isabela Vogeles and Charles "Charlie" Kratina; his mother, Wilma Kratina of Topeka; and his sister, Sharon (Doug) Brehm of Topeka.
He was preceded in death by his father and his brother, Bradley Kratina.
Doc was dedicated to his profession, military career and enjoyed farming and ranching.
The family will receive friends from 2:00 to 3:00 p.m., Sunday, February 5, 2023 at the Parker Price Cremations, Funerals & Receptions, 245 NW Independence Ave., Topeka.
The family will receive friends from 2:00 to 3:00 p.m., Sunday, February 5, 2023, at the Parker Price Cremations, Funerals & Receptions, 245 NW Independence Ave., Topeka.
A funeral ceremony will be at 10:00 a.m., Monday, February 6, 2023, at the funeral home with Masonic services conducted by Golden Rule Lodge # 90, AF & AM. Interment with military honors by Kansas Army National Guard will follow at the Czech-Moravan Cemetery, Rossville, KS.
Ernest's service will be livestreamed at the scheduled service time.
Click Here to view the service.
Memorial contributions may be made to Golden Rule Lodge # 90, AF & AM, 909 NW Lyman, Topeka, KS 66608 or TARC, 1800 SW 42nd, Topeka, KS 66609 or to Moravan Lodge No. 128, P.O. Box 518, Rossville, KS 66533.
To leave a special message for Doc's family, please visit the guestbook below.