Richard Krtek

Richard Krtek, a noted Carthage business leader, passed away Sunday morning, July 19, 2009, at St. John's Hospital in Joplin, Mo., after a long illness. Richard was born on Dec. 17, 1926, at Bolivar, Mo. He was one of 10 children. In 1949, he married Eva J. Polodna, in Bolivar, she survives. The Krtek family moved to Carthage in 1958, where Richard managed Carthage Lumber Company. In 1972, he and Eva opened Krtek Lumber, Inc., which they owned and operated for 20 years. Richard was an active member of the community. He was a member of the St. Ann's Church and a fourth degree Knight in St. Ann's Knights of Columbus men's organization and a former Elk. Richard enjoyed lending his time and talents to the many projects at St. Ann's Church and School. Richard is survived by his wife, Eva; two sons, Michael G. Krtek, of Carthage, and Richard A. Krtek, of rural miller; a brother, Bernard Krtek of Bolivar; a sister, Marion Whitney, of Laguna Beach, Calif.; five grandchildren and five great-grand children. Recitation of the Holy Rosary will be at 7 p.m., Thursday, July 23, at Ulmer Funeral Home Chapel with visitation to follow. Funeral Mass will be at 10 a.m., Saturday, July 25, at St. Ann's Catholic Church, Carthage. Contributions may be made to the American Heart Association in care of Ulmer Funeral Home. Arrangements are under the direction of Ulmer Funeral Home.