In Memory of Rev. Dr. Nancy W. Kratochvil (March 15, 1937 − June 7, 2026)
We offer our condolences to the family and colleagues of the Rev. Dr. Nancy “Nana” W. Kratochvil, who died on June 7, 2026, at the age of 89.
Nana was born on March 15, 1937, in Centralia, Illinois, to Irene Armel Wilson and Paul Thomas Wilson. She was the eldest of five children. From her mother, she inherited a love of artistry through sewing and needlework, along with a strong Protestant work ethic and a deep commitment to love, justice, and the Methodist church. Her artistic gifts were encouraged from an early age, and her academic excellence was carefully nurtured. As a high school freshman, she moved with her family to Pontiac, Illinois. She graduated from Pontiac Township High School in 1954. In 1956, she married an Army officer and moved every few years throughout his military career. During those years, she assumed primary responsibility for her children, volunteered as a first-grade classroom aide, and served as a Brownie and Girl Scout leader.
Later in life, she returned to school and earned a Bachelor of Arts in Theater from Columbus College, Georgia, in 1976. After relocating to Mississippi, Nana discovered the Unitarian Universalist Church of Jackson and became a member in 1978. Her involvement with the congregation became the most rewarding part of her life. She served the church in a variety of leadership roles, making significant contributions both within her congregation and throughout the Mid-South District. Through this work, she became familiar with a wide range of congregations across the district and developed an understanding of UU structures and governance.
In 1984, she became the owner and manager of her own custom clothing store. She eventually grew her Nana’s Custom Clothing into a larger, modestly profitable business, combining her creativity and craftsmanship with her entrepreneurial spirit. Over time, she realized that she wanted to perform worthwhile work and dedicate her life to meaningful service to others. Having served in many capacities as a lay leader, Nana drew on those experiences and felt called to the Unitarian Universalist ministry. Her enduring devotion to both her local church and the wider Unitarian Universalist Association inspired her to enter the ministry. She sought to serve congregations, strengthen existing programs, and find creative ways of solving problems faced by individuals and communities. In 1992, she sold her business and entered Meadville Lombard Theological School in Illinois. She earned her Doctor of Ministry in 1995. While in Illinois, she attended and participated in services at the First Unitarian Church of Chicago and served part-time for a small congregation in Carbondale.
In 1995, the Rev. Dr. Kratochvil accepted a call from the Harbor UU Congregation in Muskegon, Michigan, where she served until 2006. During her eleven years there, she made a significant contribution to the congregation’s growth, strengthening its ministry and programming. She brought grace and poise to the pulpit, leading worship with authenticity, preaching with wisdom and compassion, and her meditations were a distinctive and meaningful form of liturgy. Her dedication to Unitarian Universalist principles guided her church community. In recognition of her dedicated service, the congregation honored her as its minister emerit.
From 2010 to 2013, she served as a consulting minister to the UU Fellowship of Central Michigan in Mt. Pleasant, Michigan. She enthusiastically supported every aspect of congregational life, from committee work to social events.
The Rev. Dr. Kratochvil’s commitment extended beyond the congregations she served. She was an active leader in the wider denomination, serving as Vice President of the Board of the Unitarian Universalist District of Michigan and as President of the Heartland District (2007–2009) in Macon, Georgia.
Nana was also proactive in her local and state involvement with various organizations including Muskegon County Cooperating Churches, Community Uniting for Peace, and the American Association of University Women.
In her leisure time, she enjoyed sailing, bicycling, and daily walks. She found joy in travel and read voraciously. She had a deep appreciation for the arts, especially museums, art displays, music, and drama.
Nana is survived by her children, Richard Roy Florey, II, and Tina Shoemaker; adopted daughter, Stacy Kawamura; step-children, John Rogers Kratochvil, III, and Melanie Kratochvil; siblings, Terry Wilson (Connie), Ron Wilson (Mary Louise), Thomas Wilson (Lou), and Rohamah Canfield; grandchildren, Bradley Truett, Richard Roy Florey, III, Ashleigh Ann Florey, Michael Florey, Anthony Florey, and Aaron Kawamura; great-grandchild, Angelina Parker; as well as many nieces, nephews, and members of her extended family.
A funeral service was held on June 18, 2026.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to a charity of one’s own choosing.
Notes of condolence may be shared here.