Michael "Mike' Prochaska

Michael Prochaska RACINE – Michael Prochaska, 93, passed away on Saturday, September 7, 2013 at his home. Mike was born in Racine, November 10, 1919, the son of the late Michael and Pavla (nee: Sucanski) Prochaska. As a child he moved to, and was raised in Czechoslovakia, returning to the United States in 1938 prior to Nazi occupation. Mike then joined the Civil Conservation Corp (CCC). He enlisted and proudly served in the United States Marine Corp from May 18, 1942 to November 19, 1945. He was with the Fourth Marine Division participating in action at Poi-Namur, Kwajalein, Atoll, Marshall Island, Saipan, Mariana Islands, Tinian and Iwo Jima. Mike was honorably discharged as a corporal, receiving the Purple Heart for action on Tinian. On March 7, 1946 he was united in marriage to Gloria Patriarca at the First Baptist Church in Racine. Mike was the founder and president of Michael’s Signs, which he began in 1948. He was a member of First Baptist Church, Racine and Raymond Community Church, United Church of Christ. Mike was also a founding member of the Tuesday Optimist Club. In addition he was a Master Mason with Racine-Belle City Lodge #18 and a member of Marine Corp League, Agerholm-Gross Detail. Mike is survived by his wife of 66 years, Gloria and their children: Thomas (Bonnie) Prochaska of Racine, Connie (Don) Johnson of Rice Lake, Carol Prochaska (Don Davidson) of Madison, and Stephen (Vikki) Prochaska of Racine; grandchildren, Matthew (Maggie) Prochaska, Joshua (Laura) Johnson, Elizabeth (Mike) Casebolt, Adam Johnson, Michael Prochaska, Kristina Prochaska, Alisa Prochaska and Stephen Saloutos; two great grandchildren, Thatcher Casebolt and Finley Prochaska. Mike was preceded in death by his parents, brother, John and sister, Harriett. Funeral services will be held at Sturino Funeral Home on Friday September 13, 2013 at 10 a.m. with Rev. Manda Stack officiating.Visitation will be held at the Sturino Funeral Home on Thursday from 5 until 8 p.m. and on Friday from 9 a.m. until service time at 10 a.m. Mike will be laid to rest with full military honors at Southern Wisconsin Veterans Memorial Cemetery Those wishing to remember Mike in a special way may direct memorials to Badger Honor Flight, www.badgerhonorflight.org, P.O. Box 258066, Madison, WI 53725. The Prochaska family would like to extend a very special thank you to dear friend and fellow lawnlover, John Bouwens, Gentiva Hospice, Wheaton Franciscan Health Care, and Dr. Engel for their loving care and friendship.

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Michael "Mike' Prochaska

November 10, 1919 - September 7, 2013