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Kevin R. Kratochvil
March 27, 1972 ~ August 7, 2017 (age 45) 45 Years Old Light a Candle
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Message from Toni Kratochvil
August 16, 2017 4:50 PM
My Kevin Zinnia.
As my brother in law, Kevin was laying in the hospital dying. Zinnias at our farm started blooming the most beautiful colorful blooms. But there was this one zinnia that grew near my barn that started out with just the center with no petals. A fluke I thought, sometimes that happens. I shugged and went about farming. But one day a petal was on it. Then a few days, later it had 2, 3, 4. But it was not coming out in an even circle like the one beside it. I stopped and encouraged it telling to keep growing petals. (Yes, I talk to flowers). Every few days more petals grew on it . But it still was not normal looking, as it was growing petals on a couple of it's sides 3 to 4 petals deep, leaving a couple of spots empty. I am so proud of that Zinnia for I know how hard it was working to grow those petals.
Then during the last few days of Kevin's life, it hit me. This Zinnia is like Kevin. You see, Kevin was mentally challenged. So he didn't grow & developed as "normal" kids did. And there were areas where, like the Zinnia, he did not developed either. But with the encouragement of those who loved him, he grew into a beautiful soul.
My favorite memory of Kevin is once when I was his buddy at track and field Special Olympics. It is hard to get Kevin to want to really run fast. To help him do that I told him to run with me. As the race started I ran beside him on the field. All at once he started running so fast that I could not keep up with him. So I just kept yelling for him to keep running. He got a high ribbon for that race. I was SO PROUD of him!
As my brother in law, Kevin was laying in the hospital dying. Zinnias at our farm started blooming the most beautiful colorful blooms. But there was this one zinnia that grew near my barn that started out with just the center with no petals. A fluke I thought, sometimes that happens. I shugged and went about farming. But one day a petal was on it. Then a few days, later it had 2, 3, 4. But it was not coming out in an even circle like the one beside it. I stopped and encouraged it telling to keep growing petals. (Yes, I talk to flowers). Every few days more petals grew on it . But it still was not normal looking, as it was growing petals on a couple of it's sides 3 to 4 petals deep, leaving a couple of spots empty. I am so proud of that Zinnia for I know how hard it was working to grow those petals.
Then during the last few days of Kevin's life, it hit me. This Zinnia is like Kevin. You see, Kevin was mentally challenged. So he didn't grow & developed as "normal" kids did. And there were areas where, like the Zinnia, he did not developed either. But with the encouragement of those who loved him, he grew into a beautiful soul.
My favorite memory of Kevin is once when I was his buddy at track and field Special Olympics. It is hard to get Kevin to want to really run fast. To help him do that I told him to run with me. As the race started I ran beside him on the field. All at once he started running so fast that I could not keep up with him. So I just kept yelling for him to keep running. He got a high ribbon for that race. I was SO PROUD of him!
Message from Dixie Vargo (Toni's sister)
August 17, 2017 8:46 AM
Kevin has finally got all his petals now and they are fresh, bright and even all the way around his glowing face!
Message from Dennis and Carol
August 9, 2017 9:59 PM
Dear Aunt Donna and family, When we were told about this we were shocked and saddened. We will miss him when we visit. He was always so happy to see us and we were always glad when he would stay down stairs and visit with us for awhile. I know it is hard to lose a loved one, but always try to remember a happy time when you feel sad. It will make you smile and a smile makes you feel better. Love to all. Carol and Dennis
Message from Diane & Don Gaffney (Mom G)
August 9, 2017 6:24 PM
Kevin will now be bowling with Tic. Sitting on Granny's lap. Talking with Aunt Sharon. Seeing his Father. He will also get to hold Kiera for the first time. He can show her the flowers and the trees and run through the fields with her. All the animals will greet them. Kevin had a hard time for a while but he made it the open arms of God. He is well and happy. God Bless this young man whom I'll never forget. Love you, Mom G.
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