Dr. Bernard L. Kratochvil

Dr. Bernard L. Kratochvil

July 20, 1932 – November 28, 2022

Dr. Bernard Lee Kratochvil was born in Norfolk, Nebraska, in 1932. He grew up in Omaha, graduated from St. Wenceslaus grade school in 1946, and Creighton Prep high school in 1950. After three years at Creighton University, he entered Creighton University School of Medicine and received his M.D. degree in 1957. He then went on to intern at St. Joseph’s Hospital in Omaha.

He studied Orthopaedic Surgery at the University of Minnesota and, in 1962, returned to Omaha to solo practice. After one year, he joined Drs. Joseph Gross and Frank Iwersen, and a year later, Dr. Robert Klein entered the practice (GIKK).

Archbishop Bergan Mercy Hospital opened in 1964, and he was a charter member of the Medical Staff. He served on the Medical Executive, Surgery Advisory, and other committees, and as Chairman of the Surgical Service Committee and Chief of Surgery.

Dr. Kratochvil was certified by the American Board of Orthopaedic Surgery, was an Assistant Clinical Professor at Creighton University, and was an instructor at the University of Nebraska. In addition to clinical teaching, he was active locally, regionally, and nationally in his surgical field. In 1982, as a counselor for the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, he helped found the Mid-America Orthopaedic Association (1,500 members, 20 states). He was President in 1999 and later served as historian.

Other memberships included the American College of Surgeons, Nebraska Orthopaedic Society (President, 1995), Alpha Omega Alpha, American Association of Hip and Knee Surgeons, the Mid-Central States and the Clinical Orthopaedic Societies, the Nebraska Medical Association, and the American Medical Association. He is the past President of the Creighton Medical Alumni Advisory Board. In 2002, after 40-plus years of active practice, he limited himself to orthopedic evaluations only.

He served as the doctor for the Creighton University basketball team, the College World Series, the Omaha Royals, the University of Nebraska Omaha football team, and (including the part owner of) the Omaha Mustangs semi-professional football team.

He coached many of his children’s sports teams in baseball, softball, soccer, and basketball – including the 1977 Omaha YMCA 3^rd/4th-grade basketball city championship team. He served on the Christ the King School Board and supported Christ the King school and church, Creighton Prep, Duchesne Academy, Mercy High School, and Creighton University, among other institutions. He was an avid sports fan, skied, and played tennis and golf. He was a member and President of the Omaha Business Men’s Association and the Green Fez.

He married his wife Kathy (Watsabaugh) Kratochvil in 1957 and had five children.

Preceded in death by parents, Dr. Charles and Rose; brother and sister-in-law, Dr. Chuck (Mary) Kratochvil; son-in-law, Bret Rowe. Survived by wife, Kathy; children: Suzy Kratochvil (Ed Lindsay) (Omaha, NE), Margaret Rowe (Santa Monica, CA), Jack Kratochvil (Indio, CA), Jane Kratochvil (Brooklyn, NY), Jerry (Andrea) Kratochvil (Overland Park, KS); grandchildren: Josh and Alexa Kratochvil; Chase Rowe; Sam, Anna, Wesley, and Henry Kratochvil.

VISITATION: Sunday, December 18, 2022, 4:00-6:00 PM, followed by VIGIL SERVICE, all at West Center Chapel. MASS OF CHRISTIAN BURIAL: Monday, December 19, 2022, 10:30 AM, Christ the King Catholic Church. INTERMENT: Calvary Cemetery. Memorials are suggested to Creighton Prep, Creighton University Medical School or Christ the King Catholic Church.