OBITUARY
Freda E. Kratochvil
November 5, 1928 – April 4, 2021
It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Freda Ellen Kratochvil, “Sam,” “Grandma-1” of Culpeper, VA, on Sunday, April 4, 2021, at her home The Culpeper. She was born in Brooklyn, NY on November 5, 1928 to the late James and Freda Connors. After moving to Queens, NY she met the love of her life, the late Joe Kratochvil. They were married on April 25, 1949, and moved to East Meadow, NY where she raised six children. After moving to Culpeper, VA. in 1971, she made it her home. Freda was a very active member of Precious Blood Catholic Church, serving with the choir singing, playing the organ, and as Director of Music. She was also a Charter Member of the Knights of Columbus John J. Cempre Council #6328 Ladies Auxiliary.
Freda loved sharing time with friends and, most importantly her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. In addition to her parents and husband of 70 years, Freda was preceded in death by her son Jimmy Kratochvil, her sister Roberta Ostermeier and brother James Connors.
She leaves behind her son Joe Kratochvil (Anneliese) of Rixeyville, VA, her daughters Eileen Hunter (Bob) of Scranton, PA, Maureen McNemar (Jim) of Culpeper, VA, Loretta Fleming (Tim) of Fredericksburg, VA, and Jane Bunch (Vernon) of Culpeper, VA. Freda is also survived by her grandchildren Melissa Kratochvil, Jacob McNemar, Candice Rueda, Sean McNemar, Jennifer Berryman, Jonathan Fleming, Matthew Fleming, AnnMarie Collins, Bob Hunter, J.J. McNemar, Jason Bunch, Kelly Bunch, Taylor Rupard, Tony Kratochvil, and Joey Kratochvil. Also, her great-grandchildren Julianne McNemar, Ryan McNemar, Shane Fleming, Declan McNemar, Alex Fleming, Chase McNemar, Adrianna Rueda, Marreon Chavis, Ryker Berryman, Ava Fleming, Emily McNemar, and Levi Wetzel.
The family will receive friends on Thursday April 8, 2021 from 6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. at Clore-English Funeral Home. On Friday April 9, 2021 at 11 a.m., a Mass of Christian Burial will be held at Precious Blood Catholic Church with burial service to follow at the Culpeper National Cemetery- New Grounds- at noon. For those unable to attend the Mass, it will be streamed at the following link: https://www.pbcconline.com/livestream. The family would like to thank the staff at The Culpeper for their compassion, service, and support during her stay.
In lieu of flowers, the family is requesting donations be made to the “Freda Kratochvil Scholarship for Young Pastoral Musicians” (c/o Precious Blood Catholic Church 114 E. Edmondson St. Culpeper, VA 22701).
Fond memories of Freda and condolences may be sent to the Kratochvil family through clore-english.com. The Kratochvil family has entrusted Clore-English Funeral Home with these arrangements.
Services
PREVIOUS SERVICES:
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Visitation
Thursday, April 8, 2021
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Mass of Christian Burial
Friday, April 9, 2021
OTHER SERVICES:
Interment to Follow in Culpeper National Cemetery, New Grounds
Memories
Freda E. Kratochvil
have a memory or condolence to add?
ADD A MEMORYLisa Peacock
April 10, 2021
Joe and Freda were wonderful humans and will always hold a special place in our hearts. We appreciate all the years of music and fond memories. May the peace of the Lord be with you. Steve and Lisa Peacock
Susan Semmes
April 9, 2021
I will always remember Freda playing beautiful music during masses at Precious Blood. Freda was not only an integral part of the music program at the church, but also an integral part of Precious Blood. I have always appreciated Freda's playing at my Father's funeral mass in 2012 because she made it special. The tribute movie is beautiful; Freda had a full life and she will be missed.
Patrick Burke
April 9, 2021
I rememeber Freda well, both socially and professionally.
She was a good wife and mother.
Kathleen and I are sad at her passing and we wish comfort to her family.
We send our condolences.
Kahtleen and Declan Burke
Angela Chapman
April 8, 2021
Maureen, I extend my deepest condolences and prayers to you and your family. Cherish your Mother’s precious memories of a life well lived and keep them close to your hearts forever. May you find comfort in the days ahead. Mrs. Kratochvil is now safe in the arms of God and peacefully at rest. God Bless, Angela Jeffers Chapman
Shirley Goins
April 8, 2021
Jane, Vernon, and Kelly we are sooooo sorry for your loss'
Losing loved ones is really a heart breaking time. We want you too know that we are thinking about you and your family, it is always comforting when you know that your MOM was loved by so many, and she will be missed.
God has taken control of his child, and Freda will be in his arms forever now.
Your Mom & Dad are together again!
bob jones
April 7, 2021
Thoughts and prayers to the Kratochvil family and members during this sad time. Bob Jones and family
Virgil and Cindy Jones
April 7, 2021
There are so many ways to describe Freda....she was kind, funny, loving, committed to her family, loved her church, compassionate, generous, talented, giving and the list goes on and on. However, we were also blessed to have Freda and Joe as great neighbors and beloved friends. We loved her and Joe so much. Freda will be missed but her legacy will go on - just like Joe’s has. Love and prayers to you all.
Megan Smith
April 7, 2021
How I loved Mrs. K, dagnabit everyone did! Fitting that she passed on the day of the resurrection, He said all who believe in me shall never die. She will never die but always live in the hearts of the many many people who loved and admired her. May she rest in peace, may she be embraced by God and her loved ones in heaven.
Candy Hamilton
April 7, 2021
It was a honor taking care of Mrs freda I remember her from the auxiliary an chatting numerous times of things we had in common she was a very beautiful lady she will be miss our condolences.
The Hamiltons
Betty and Dave Craven
April 7, 2021
Freda was always so kind and welcoming to us. She did a great job playing the organ. She will be missed.
Monica, Craig, Lisa and Thomas Robbins
April 7, 2021
We are saddened to learn of Freda’s passing.
She is an icon for the parish. She was always so kind to us. We would talk and it would remind us of home and family.
Freda had a fighting spirit that would come out now and again and you couldn’t help but grin.
May your wonderful memories carry you all in these most difficult days.
Love and prayers to all who loved her.
Marc Barber
April 6, 2021
Will always remember Joe greeting everyone at the door and Freda playing the organ before mass. What a great pair. Precious Blood has been very lucky to have them as parishioners. What a privilege to have known them. God bless and rest in peace.
Donna and Gary Huff
April 6, 2021
Freda Kratochvil was a precious lady and will be missed. Our thoughts and prayers are with her family at this difficult time. May God hold you in His comforting arms.
Love and prayers,
Donna and Gary Huff
LORRAINE KORBER
April 6, 2021
What can you say about Aunt Freda - she was like the MUSIC, soothing and lovely - i remember the slippers and wooden spoons - she always had a smile for everyone a shoulder if you were sad - she was a GREAT friend to so many like my mom and dad - the O'Connor's and the Dowsett's - she is with her baby boy Jimmy and Uncle Joe - lest we forget Grandma -- may she watch over all of you and leave her mark on all of the generations to follow
Love - "Cousin" Lorraine M Korber
Hazel Zinn-Day
April 5, 2021
My deepest sympathy.
Diane D’Allesandro
April 5, 2021
Some of our dearest memories with our kids is our visits to your farm in VA every November. Aunt Freda’s kitchen would be constantly buzzing cleaning up from one meal while planning the next for at least 30 of us! Loved our strolls to the Rapidan with her as well. It was truly the most special family time surrounded by grandma, aunts, uncles, cousins & our children! We’re so sorry for your loss of your mom. Knowing she is reunited with Uncle Joe and Jimmy brings the most comfort. Heaven has gained a premier organist !!