Obituary for James R. Krahulec
Ret. Lt. Col. James (Jim) Roger Krahulec, 78, of O’Fallon, IL, passed away Friday, May 21, 2021, surrounded by family, after a long courageous health battle.
Jim was born October 10, 1942 at the Owatonna City Hospital in MN to the late George and Frances (Kubicek) Krahulec. After graduating with distinction from Owatonna High School in 1960, he graduated from the University of St. Thomas in 1964 with a B.A. in Mathematics, minors in Zoology and Philosophy, and a commission as a 2nd Lt. through the Air Force ROTC program.
While progressing through the ranks, he continued his education by obtaining an A.S. in Computer Science from the University of Hawaii in 1973 and an M.S. in Management Information Systems from Troy University in 1982.
At the peak of his 28-year career in the Air Force, he worked at the White House during the Nixon, Ford, and Carter Administrations as a member of the Advance Team, which worked hand in hand with the Secret Service, setting up communications for presidential travel, and for which he earned a Presidential Service Badge. He was also very proud of the years he worked as a computer programmer on AUTODIN, his time with Space Command, and his years spent in Turkey/Hawaii.
After retiring from the service in 1992, he worked as a Technical Support Analyst for Magna Bank/Union Planters/Regions Bank, where he was responsible for operations, maintenance, programming, installation, and networking.
When he fully retired in 2006, he was able to spend more time on his numerous hobbies:
● Computer “guru” – always tinkering with his own computers and those of friends and working to keep up with technological advances.
● Rabbits – a member of various clubs, holding several positions, and instrumental in the acceptance of Mini Satins as a recognized breed by the ARBA.
● Gardening – continuing his parents’ legacy by growing flowers and vegetables.
● Sports – playing tennis and soccer, hunting, fishing, and watching any Minnesota teams.
● Cars – especially proud of his 1985 silver, 928-S Porsche and 2004 slingshot yellow, Chevy SSR.
● Collecting – especially glassware/china, stamps, guns, oldies LPs, and anything Elvis.
● Genealogy/Czech heritage – always sharing how to pronounce his name correctly.
● OHS Class of 1960 – maintaining the class list and using his “super sleuth”-ing skills to locate lost classmates.
And through all his service/work/hobbies, Jim made many great friendships.
But most of all, he was proud of the success of his children and their families.
Jim is survived by his first wife, Janice Cunard; second wife, Juliet James; five children: James Krahulec, John Krahulec, Jennifer Faupel, Catherine Krahulec, and Amy Krahulec; four step-children: Ken VanHatten, Paul Nagle, David Nagle, and Mark Nagle; seven grandchildren: Ryan Krahulec, Connor Krahulec, Reed Krahulec, Alanna Krahulec, Jack Chaney, Marissa Gorter, and Lily Gorter; and four step-grandchildren: Ari Nagle, Kyra Nagle, Braxton Nagle, and Parker Nagle.
He was preceded in death by his beloved sister, Carol LaCanne, her son, Steve Broten, and her husband, Leo LaCanne.
A special thank you to Sherry, Jimmy, and Brandan for the comfort they provided Jim and his family over the past few months.
Friends and family are invited to attend an Illinois celebration of his life on Thursday, July 22, 2021 from 3 to 7 p.m. at 200 West Main St, Belleville, IL, as well as a Minnesota memorial service on Saturday, July 24, 2021, with visitation from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. and funeral service from 10:30 to 11:00 a.m. at Brick-Meger & Medford Funeral Home in Owatonna, MN, followed by a graveside service at Owatonna Memorial Gardens.
In honor of his memory, you may send flowers for his service at Brick-Meger & Medford Funeral Home in Owatonna, MN or make a donation to a charity of your choosing.
Jim was born October 10, 1942 at the Owatonna City Hospital in MN to the late George and Frances (Kubicek) Krahulec. After graduating with distinction from Owatonna High School in 1960, he graduated from the University of St. Thomas in 1964 with a B.A. in Mathematics, minors in Zoology and Philosophy, and a commission as a 2nd Lt. through the Air Force ROTC program.
While progressing through the ranks, he continued his education by obtaining an A.S. in Computer Science from the University of Hawaii in 1973 and an M.S. in Management Information Systems from Troy University in 1982.
At the peak of his 28-year career in the Air Force, he worked at the White House during the Nixon, Ford, and Carter Administrations as a member of the Advance Team, which worked hand in hand with the Secret Service, setting up communications for presidential travel, and for which he earned a Presidential Service Badge. He was also very proud of the years he worked as a computer programmer on AUTODIN, his time with Space Command, and his years spent in Turkey/Hawaii.
After retiring from the service in 1992, he worked as a Technical Support Analyst for Magna Bank/Union Planters/Regions Bank, where he was responsible for operations, maintenance, programming, installation, and networking.
When he fully retired in 2006, he was able to spend more time on his numerous hobbies:
● Computer “guru” – always tinkering with his own computers and those of friends and working to keep up with technological advances.
● Rabbits – a member of various clubs, holding several positions, and instrumental in the acceptance of Mini Satins as a recognized breed by the ARBA.
● Gardening – continuing his parents’ legacy by growing flowers and vegetables.
● Sports – playing tennis and soccer, hunting, fishing, and watching any Minnesota teams.
● Cars – especially proud of his 1985 silver, 928-S Porsche and 2004 slingshot yellow, Chevy SSR.
● Collecting – especially glassware/china, stamps, guns, oldies LPs, and anything Elvis.
● Genealogy/Czech heritage – always sharing how to pronounce his name correctly.
● OHS Class of 1960 – maintaining the class list and using his “super sleuth”-ing skills to locate lost classmates.
And through all his service/work/hobbies, Jim made many great friendships.
But most of all, he was proud of the success of his children and their families.
Jim is survived by his first wife, Janice Cunard; second wife, Juliet James; five children: James Krahulec, John Krahulec, Jennifer Faupel, Catherine Krahulec, and Amy Krahulec; four step-children: Ken VanHatten, Paul Nagle, David Nagle, and Mark Nagle; seven grandchildren: Ryan Krahulec, Connor Krahulec, Reed Krahulec, Alanna Krahulec, Jack Chaney, Marissa Gorter, and Lily Gorter; and four step-grandchildren: Ari Nagle, Kyra Nagle, Braxton Nagle, and Parker Nagle.
He was preceded in death by his beloved sister, Carol LaCanne, her son, Steve Broten, and her husband, Leo LaCanne.
A special thank you to Sherry, Jimmy, and Brandan for the comfort they provided Jim and his family over the past few months.
Friends and family are invited to attend an Illinois celebration of his life on Thursday, July 22, 2021 from 3 to 7 p.m. at 200 West Main St, Belleville, IL, as well as a Minnesota memorial service on Saturday, July 24, 2021, with visitation from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. and funeral service from 10:30 to 11:00 a.m. at Brick-Meger & Medford Funeral Home in Owatonna, MN, followed by a graveside service at Owatonna Memorial Gardens.
In honor of his memory, you may send flowers for his service at Brick-Meger & Medford Funeral Home in Owatonna, MN or make a donation to a charity of your choosing.