Lucian "Lou" Prohaska (2024)

COOK, MUELLER, PROHASKA

Posted By: Pat Hochstetler
Date: 3/25/2024 at 16:24:39

Des Moines Register
Des Moines, Iowa
March 25, 2024

Lucian "Lou" Prohaska, age 86, of Brookings, passed away on Wednesday, March 20, 2024, at the Avera Heart Hospital in Sioux Falls, SD. A private family burial will be held in Adel, Iowa.

Lou was born February 19, 1938 in Des Moines, IA to Fred and Nellie Prohaska. He grew up near Earlham, IA. He was confirmed in the Earlham Methodist Church and graduated from DeSoto Iowa High School. He met the love of his life, Karen, and they were married on June 1st, 1958.

Lou's love of airplanes and flying led him to join the Iowa Air National Guard on his 17th birthday during his junior year of high school. Lou attended Parks Air College in St. Louis, MO after high school to earn his aviation mechanic (A&P) certificate, and he began work as an aircraft mechanic. He served with the Air Guard from 1955-1969 and achieved the rank of Master Sergeant in charge of the Special Project's Shop. Lou also served on active duty in the Air Guard in France from 1961-62. He worked as a jet pilot and Chief Mechanic for American Republic Insurance, and as William's Pipeline mechanic manager. His work led the family to St. Louis, MO, to Adel, IA, to Carlisle, IA, to Iowa City, IA, and to Sioux Falls, SD. Lou felt a calling to serve God from seeds that were sown in his youth and throughout his life. After his last child graduated from high school, Lou enrolled in South Dakota State University, earned his Bachelor's Degree in Sociology, enrolled in seminary at Kansas City's St. Paul School of Theology, earned his Master's of Divinity, and became a Methodist pastor. He served in Independence, MO while finishing seminary and had appointments in Edgemont/Pringle, SD and also Winner, SD. Retirement brought Lou & Karen to Volga, SD.

Lou is survived by his wife Karen, daughter Laura (Morris) Cook, son Dan Prohaska, son John (Kim) Prohaska; Six grandchildren: Jensi, Stephen (Vee), Andrew (Lydia), Josh (Allison), Joe (Ellie), and Jacob Prohaska; Two great-grandchildren: Lane and Colter Prohaska; and sister Lucia (Harlan) Mueller.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Fred and Nellie Prohaska; son Joseph Prohaska, and daughter-in-law Colette Prohaska.

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