Diana Lynn (Stanec) Kratovil, age 75, passed away on Tuesday, September 23, 2025, at Monument Health in Rapid City, SD, after a sudden and brief illness. Diana was born on October 2, 1949, to Frank Stanec and Viola (Larsen) Stanec in Martin, S.D. She was raised on a farm outside of Martin and attended Bennett County High School. It was during her high school years that she met her future husband, Craig Kratovil.
Diana and Craig, high school sweethearts, were united in marriage on December 28, 1968, at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Batesland,. In the early years of their marriage, they lived in Columbia, MO, near Diana’s sister Cary and brother-in-law Ron Sherman. They later moved back to South Dakota before settling in the Sandhills of Nebraska in 1974, where they raised their two daughters, Tonya and Crystal.
Diana worked for many years at JC Penneys in Gordon, Neb., and later as a dispatcher at the Gordon Police Department. In 1992, she and Craig moved to Rapid City, which became their permanent home. Diana worked at Abourezk Law Firm until her retirement in the fall of 2025.
Diana was a devoted Christian and an active member of St. Paul’s Evangelical Lutheran Church in Batesland, and later St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Rapid City.
Diana enjoyed spending time outdoors, gardening at home, walking along country roads, and hiking in the Black Hills. Over the years, she traveled to Korea, China, Germany, Wales, and enjoyed multiple family vacations to Hawaii.
Diana was a beloved wife, mother, sister, grandmother, sister-inlaw, aunt, and cousin to many. She cherished spending time with her family, particularly her three grandchildren.
Diana is survived by her husband of 57 years, Craig Kratovil; daughters Tonya Kratovil, Kaneohe, Hawaii, and Crystal Moffitt (Bill), Rapid City; granddaughters Laney Moffitt, Denver, Colo., and Jacey Moffitt, Rapid City; grandson Willie Moffitt, Ewa Beach, Hawaii; sister Cary Sherman (Ron), Hartsburg, MO; brother Steve Stanec, Alliance, Neb.; and numerous brothers- and sisters-in-law, nieces, nephews, cousins, and honorary grandchildren.
She is preceded in death by her parents, Frank and Viola Stanec; infant sister, Maria; parents-in-law, Leo and Marie Kratovil; and brother-in-law, Mark Kratovil.
Flowers may be sent to St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Rapid City, SD. Donations in lieu of flowers may be sent to St. Paul’s Lutheran Church and School in Rapid City, or to Monument Health Greatest Need Fund.
Services will be held on Saturday, October 4, at 11:00 a.m. at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Rapid City.