NAVRATIL, Rory Thomas 1958-2013

NAVRATIL

Posted By: K.L. Kittleson
Date: 3/3/2013 at 13:51:40

Rory T. ‘RT’ Navratil

Grafton, Iowa — Rory T. “RT” Navratil, 54, of Grafton, died Wednesday, February 27, 2013, in Grafton.

A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. on Monday, March 4, at Emmanuel Lutheran Church, 308 Fourth Ave., Grafton, with the Rev. Solveig A. H. Zamzow officiating. Inurnment will be held at a future date in the Grafton Cemetery. A memorial visitation will be held Sunday afternoon, March 3, from 3 until 5 p.m. at Bride Colonial Chapel, 110 E. Spring St., Manly, and will continue one hour prior to RT’s service on Monday at the church. The family requests casual attire be worn at RT’s visitation and memorial service.

Should friends desire, memorials may be left in RT’s name in care of his family.

Rory Thomas “RT” Navratil was born on May 22, 1958, in Mason City, the son of Richard and Ilene (Kirchgatter) Navratil. He attended and graduated from St. Ansgar High School amongst the Class of 1976. While in high school and throughout his life RT loved St. Ansgar Saints football and was a lifelong fan.

RT spent much of his time farming, not only for himself, but for the Cole family as well.

In his free time RT loved going to friends’ homes, playing slow pitch softball and umpiring softball games. During the winter months he could be found riding his Arctic Cat snowmobile whenever the weather permitted. He was an avid NASCAR fan, cheering on his favorite driver, Jeff Gordon. RT had a knack for fixing anything in anyone’s shop. In fact, he was taken too soon, doing just that.

Family and friends will remember RT for his easy-going personality; he was slow to anger and always ready and willing to help a friend, never expecting anything in return. He never met a stranger and was well recognized when he would do his “train whistle.”

Those grateful in sharing in his life are his children, Ryan Navratil (Vonda), Megan Navratil (Josh), Hilary Navratil and Cody Navratil; grandchildren, Harper Hyde, Bradyn Enabnit and Cameron Navratil; siblings, Jerry Navratil, Randy (Mary) Navratil and Joleen (Erik) Bakken; as well as many cousins, nieces, nephews, extended family members and many friends.

RT is preceded in death by his parents, Richard Navratil and Ilene (Navratil) Milbrandt; and grandparents.

Bride Colonial Chapel, 110 E. Spring St., Manly, Iowa, 641-454-2242. ColonialChapels.com.

Globe Gazette