Merle E. Kratochvil

Merle E. Kratochvil, age 81 of rural Lankin, passed away on Wednesday, February 12, 2025 at his home, with his daughter by his side. 
Merle Ernest Kratochvil was born on March 26, 1943 to the late Ernest and Mildred (Kovarik) Kratochvil in Lankin, ND.  He was raised on the family farm and attended school in Lankin.  He graduated from Walsh County Ag School in Park River.  After graduation he continued farming with his family.  He served in the United States Army from 1967 to 1969.  In the late nineties, he started a trucking and transporting business, which he ran for 20 years.  Merle never really retired, he was always busy on the farm and enjoyed helping out local farmers and neighbors.  
Merle was a member of the Bosh-Ryba American Legion Post of Lankin.  He enjoyed spending his free time hunting and fishing.  He also had a love of animals and one could often find many types of furry friends on the farm. 
Merle is survived by his daughter Cate Kratochvil, and uncle Roland (Marie) Kovarik, as well as many cousins. He was preceded in death by his parents and several aunts and uncles.
Memorial Services will be held on Sunday, February 16, 2025 at 7:00 p.m. at the Tollefson Funeral Home of Park River.  Visitation will be held from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. at the funeral home. 
In lieu of flowers, memorials preferred. Interment will be at Kosobud Cemetery, rural Lankin, ND, in the spring. 

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