Leonard Navratil, 83
Leonard Frankie Navratil, 83, died Saturday, January 7, 2012.
- Leonard Navratil
Leonard Frankie Navratil, 83, died Saturday, January 7, 2012.
Leonard was born February 6, 1928 in New Effington, South Dakota, the son of Frank and Elizabeth (Kalina) Navratil. Leonard was raised on a farm and schooled at New Effington.
On April 2, 1948 Leonard was united in marriage to Berneta “Bing” Lehrke at her parents’ home in South Dakota near Brown’s Valley. The couple purchased a farm near New Effington, where they made their home until 1971. The couple was blessed with six children.
Leonard enjoyed his work on the farm. He raised pigs, cows, chickens and sheep. He also taught himself how to fix just about anything. He was a skilled repairman and craftsman. Leonard never threw anything out; he saved everything for spare parts. In 1971, Leonard could no longer work on the farm due to his health. He and Berneta moved to Minneapolis to look for work. He worked as a maintenance manager for a property management company. In 1983, Leonard’s health forced him to retire.
He enjoyed fishing in the Alexandria area and bought a home on Lake Rachel where he and Berneta lived until recently moving into Alexandria. Leonard was active in his church at New Effington, Bethany Lutheran. He served on the church council, was a Luther League advisor and served as a teacher and superintendent of the Sunday school program. While in Alexandria, Leonard was an active member of First Lutheran Church.
Leonard played the string bass for a dance band many years ago. He also spent time deer hunting, fishing and playing cards, especially pinochle. Leonard was a craftsman who liked to try his hand at anything. He re-wound old motors and made them new again. He did a great deal of woodworking and liked to build gifts for his family and friends.
A son, Leonard Navratil Jr.; a daughter, Jeanie Ellen Navratil; one brother, Dean Navratil, and two sons-in-law, Terrance Gapp and Wayne Brogren preceded him in death.
Leonard is survived by his wife of 63 years, Berneta Navratil, of Alexandria; three daughters, Marlene Evenson and husband, Larry, of Richfield, Collette Gapp of Truth of Consequences, NM and Jeneice Carter of Pine City; one son, Kevin Navratil and wife, LeAnn, of Willmar; grandchildren, Katie Evenson, Eric Evenson, Jon Gapp, Kasey Gapp, Terry Gapp, Jay Carter, Jacqueline Penner, Shannon Carter, Kevin Navratil Jr., Ryan Navratil, Kevin Larson and Shawn Larson; 11 great-grandchildren; two brothers, Danny Navratil of Sisseton, SD and Franklin Navratil and wife, Susanne, of New Effington; and two sisters, Dorothy Hentz of Minneapolis, and Louise Bergstrom of Richfield.
A funeral service was held Tuesday, January 10 at First Lutheran Church in Alexandria. The Rev. John Peshek officiated. Patrick Kalina and Randy Morken provided music. Interment followed at Independent Bohemian Cemetery, south of Alexandria. Casket bearers included Kevin Navratil Jr., Jacqueline Penner, Katie Evenson, Jon Gapp, Kasey Gapp, Eric Evenson and Jay Carter. Honorary casket bearers included Franklin Navratil, Danny Navratil, Louise Bergstrom, Dorothy Hentz, Dave Anderson and Lola Anderson.
Arrangements are with Anderson Funeral Home in Alexandria; www.andersonfuneral.net.
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