Charles James Kralovec, age 79, of Caspian, died suddenly on February 9, 2012 at the Northstar Health System in Iron River, MI.

Charles was born on September 6, 1932 in Menominee, MI. to Charles James Kralovec, Sr. and Marie Anne Bernardy.  He grew up in Menominee and attended the Marinette Catholic Schools, graduating from Marinette Our Lady of Lourdes High School in 1950 where he was newspaper editor and class president.  He also quarterbacked the football team and captained the basketball team.  He was the catcher on Menominee’s 1950 Upper Peninsula Champion Legion baseball team.  He then graduated from St. Norbert’s College in DePere, Wi. in 1954 with a B.S. degree in biology.  Charlie then served his country as a medical aid in the US Army’s Occupational Forces in Germany from 1954—56, defending West Germany from the Soviet Red Army stationed in East Germany. 

Upon his honorable discharge from the United States Army, he enrolled at Northern Michigan University in Marquette, MI. and earned his teaching certification.  He then went on to earn a Master’s Degree from NMU in education.  Mr. “K” worked in the Stambaugh Public Township School District, later to be named West Iron County Public Schools for 36 years, retiring in 1993.  He touched the lives of thousands of young people and his students remember him admiringly for his gentle demeanor and engaging classroom stories.  During his time in the district, he was a director of the Head Start Program, Special Education Teacher, Elementary Teacher, Junior High basketball coach, teacher of the year in 1985, and the last principal of the Caspian School, which closed in 1971. 

Charles married the former Yvonne Heikkila on December 29 1962 at St. Cecilia Catholic Church, Caspian, MI. and the couple made their home in Caspian.  They celebrated their 46^th wedding anniversary in 2008.  Yvonne preceded him in death on January 31, 2009.

Charlie was a member of the St. Cecilia Catholic Church of Caspian where he was a lector and volunteer for many years, the VFW Ottawa Post #3134, American Legion Reino Post #21, and the Caspian housing board for Spring Valley Apartments.  Charlie was loved by all, and his selfless dedication to others will be greatly missed.  He has helped many elderly people in the area and served as PA announcer for West Iron County athletic events.  He always enjoyed his time at Mac’s Camp.

He was also preceded in death by his sister, Joan Rudd.

He is survived by three sons, William (Nadia) Kralovec of Belgrade, Serbia

                                                    James (Michelle) Kralovec of Iron Mountain, MI

                                                    Andrew (Chantalle) Kralovec of Quito, Ecuador

                  Sister, Lorretta (Fred) Schaucht of Marinette, WI

                  Six grandchildren Scott Youngren, Tony, Beau, Owen, Oliver, and Ocean Kralovec

                  Numerous nieces and nephews                                        

Visitation: Tuesday, February 14, 2012 from 9:00 to 10:30 a.m. at the Jacobs Funeral Home, Iron River.

Funeral Service: Tuesday, February 14, 2012 at 11 a.m. at St. Cecilia Catholic Church, Caspian with Rev. Gregory Veneklase, Pastor, to offer the Mass of Christian Burial.  The West Side Veterans will accord Military Rites at the service.

Interment: Stambaugh Cemetery, Iron River

Memorials may be made to the Yvonne Kralovec Memorial Scholarship, 303 4^th Ave., Iron River, MI 49935.

Funeral arrangements by the Jacobs Funeral Home, Iron River.