Dr. John Kratochvil, 84, of Oak Brook passed away March 12, 2026. John was born in Chicago to John and Sylvia (Blazek) Kratochvil. He graduated from Morton West in Berwyn IL in 1959. During his time there, he played on their defense for the Mustangs’s football team. John then went on to attend Western Michigan, for his undergrad studies. He then continued his education earning his masters and doctrine in sciences at University of Wisconsin. John had successful and fulfilling careers in Food Research at Swift and Kraft along with consulting. He is survived by his beloved wife Reta, married for 59 years, loving father to Kari, wonderful grandfather of James (Haeley) and great-grandfather of Margot Mae. He was an avid sports fan of the Bulls, Chicago Bears, and his UW alma mater. John loved hunting pheasants, deer, and large game. He also dedicated much of his time as a member of Gideons International.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Gideons International or Pacific Garden Mission. If you would like to plant a tree in John’s memory please go to his obituary at legacy.com
Visitation will be held Monday, March 23, at 9:30 to 10:30, a funeral service at 10:45 with lunch to follow in the fellowship hall at Christ Church of Oak Brook. 501 Oak Brook Rd. Oak Brook, IL 60523
Our condolences to the family. Remembering Mr Kratochvil as loving grandfather who was driving kids to the sport activities. Rest in peace!
I love you dad. You are the best father a girl could ever have. You are a lovely man and a gem. You are one of a kind. You are kind, reverent, and caring man. You taught me all the important things in life. I always cherish spending time with you. A Bible verse you held dear was Fear thou not; for I am with thee be not dismayed for I am thy God; I will strengthen thee; Yea I will help thee; Yea I will uphold thee with the right hand of my Righteousness. I will always love you and I know you will always be with us. I love you so much forever and for all of time.