Donald Lee Kratky, 85, of Cape Girardeau passed away at 2:04 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 20, 2020, at Saint Francis Medical Center in Cape Girardeau.

He was born Dec. 5, 1934, in Omaha, Nebraska, to the late Myna Geraldine Dallas and Edward Kratky.

As a youngster, he was usually into mischief. In high school, Donald was a gymnast and diver for Hayward High School in Hayward, California. Upon graduation, he entered the U.S. Army and was a member of the 101st Airborne Division. Donald spent his career as an engineer and project estimator.

He was an avid reader and collector of books. He enjoyed gardening and spending time with family. His legacy to all was to show kindness and compassion. He would say, "There is never a reason to be rude; always be polite."

Loving survivors include his wife of 59 years, Mary Louise Kratky; daughter, Jacqueline (Kevin) Hammond of Jackson; son, Paul (Patty) Kratky of Irvine, California; grandchildren, Rochelle, Timothy, Mariel, Vincent and Daniel; great-grandchildren, Thomas, Cecilia and Lilliana; nephews, Roger and Edward Kratky; and many other relatives and friends.

Cremation has been accorded. A celebration of Donald's life will be held at a later date.

Crain Funeral Home and Cremation Service in Cape Girardeau is in charge of cremation arrangements.