Frank T. Kralicek

Frank T. Kralicek, age 74, of Yankton, South Dakota, died unexpectedly at his home on Friday, February 21, 2025.

Mass of Christian Burial will be 10:30 AM on Wednesday, February 26, 2025, at St. Benedict Catholic Church in Yankton, South Dakota with Reverend Thi Pham officiating. Burial will be in the Sacred Heart Cemetery in Yankton with military honors provided by the Ernest-Bowyer VFW Post No. 791, the South Dakota Army National Guard and the South Dakota Patriot Guard. Visitation is from 5:00 to 7:00 PM on Tuesday, February 25, 2025, at St. Benedict Catholic Church in Yankton with a vigil service and rosary at 7:00 PM. Arrangements are under the direction of the Wintz & Ray Funeral Home in Yankton.

Pallbearers will be his grandchildren: Alexa Koza, Reagan Koza, Jersey Koza, Javin Koza, Patrick Kralicek, Jake Kralicek, Tenlie Tesch, Caleb Ball, Elijah Ball and Elena Ball.

Frank T. Kralicek was born April 21, 1950 in Yankton, South Dakota, to Donald and Agnes (Kronaizl) Kralicek. He grew up on the farm near Yankton, attended country school through 8th grade and graduated from Yankton High School in 1968. He then attended Southern State College in Springfield, South Dakota until he was drafted into the United States Army and served his country during the Vietnam War. He returned to the farm after the war and continued farming with his dad. He married Jolene Kast on June 23, 1973 in Menominee, Nebraska.

Frank was a farmer through and through. Over the years he raised everything: sheep, pigs, cattle, Belgian horses, donkeys, chickens, geese, ducks, and even buffalo. He loved tending to the land and tending to his animals. He was a member of St. Benedict Catholic Church, Yankton Elks Lodge and Yankton VFW. He was a leader for 4-H shooting sports and helped his grandchildren in 4-H. His grandchildren were the apple of his eye. He loved spending time with them and passing along his love of ice cream and chocolate to his grandchildren. He was proud of his Czech heritage and loved traveling all over, including all 50 states and 10 foreign countries. Frank was a calm, wise, friendly man who had a kind heart and never met a stranger. He will be greatly missed by all who knew him.

Survivors include his wife of 52 years, Jolene Kralicek of Yankton; three children: Sarah (Craig) Ball of Omaha, Nebraska; Frank Kralicek Jr. of Yankton; and Juliet (Wiatt) Tesch of Yankton; seven grandchildren: Alexa, Reagan, Jersey, Javin Koza, Patrick and Jake Kralicek and Tenlie Tesch; two step-grandchildren: Caleb (Kyrie) Ball and Elijah (Lindsay) Ball; step-great granddaughter, Elena Ball; sister, Donna Mae (Wilfred) Tramp of Crofton; and many numerous nieces, nephews, step-siblings and in-laws.

He was preceded in death by his parents; step-mother, Dorothy; and brothers-in-law: Lawrence Kast and Bruce Johnson.