Yvonne Kralovec

Yvonne V. Kralovec, age 68 of Caspian, MI, died peacefully on Saturday, January 31, 2009 at the Iron River Care Center, Iron River surrounded by her loving husband and sons who flew in from around the world to be at her side. Born: October 16, 1940 in Stambaugh, MI The daughter of the late Arthur and Sylvia (Wirtaanen) Heikkila was a lifelong resident of the area. She attended the Stambaugh schools, graduating from Stambaugh High School in 1958. Yvonne married Charles Kralovec on December 29, 1962 at St. Cecilia Catholic Church, Caspian, MI and the couple made their home in Caspian. She was a member of St Cecilia Catholic Church of Caspian and the manager and a player on Gil's Mileage women's fast pitch softball team. The team won several Upper Peninsula championships and also appeared in several state tournaments for slow pitch softball. Yvonne also coached girl's basketball for 42 years at the Stambaugh schools, West Iron County Schools, and the Iron County Community Schools. She was instrumental in establishing the current 7th and 8th grade basketball program as well as the 4th, 5th, and 6th grade programs. She enjoyed bowling and had three national honor tournaments and was an avid Detroit sports fan. She was preceded in death by brothers Carl Maki and Wallace Heikkila and sister Viola Nowicki. She is survived by her husband Charles Three sons; William (Nadia) Kralovec of Belgrade, Serbia James (Michelle) Kralovec of Iron Mountain, MI Andrew Kralovec of Quito, Ecuador Brother, Daniel Heikkila of Green Bay, WI Two sisters; Ione (James) Condon of Crystal Falls, MI Darlene (Bernie) Williams of Oneida, WI Six grandchildren; Scott Youngren Tony, Beau, Owen, Oliver, and Ocean Kralovec Numerous nieces and nephews Visitation: Tuesday, February 3, 2009 from 9:00 to 11:00 a.m. at St. Cecilia Catholic Church, Caspian. Funeral Service; Tuesday, February 3, 2009 at 11 a.m. at St. Cecilia Catholic Church, Caspian with Rev. Daniel Moll to offer the Mass of Christian Burial. Interment: Stambaugh Cemetery, Iron River The family suggests memorial contributions be made to the American Diabetes Association. Funeral arrangements by the Jacobs Funeral Home, Iron River.