CHARLES JOSEPH PRUSIK

CHARLES PRUSIK Obituary

Charles Joseph Prusik, 69, Atchison, Kansas, passed away at the family home May 12, 2010. Charles was born December 18, 1940, the biological son of Charles C. Prusik and Margaret Biggs. Upon the death of his biological mother in 1953, Charles J. joined his father and mother, Grace Vogt. On May 30, 1993 he married Donna M. Davis in a service held at the Kansas City Vietnam Veterans Memorial Wall. She survives him at the family residence. He is also survived by two sons Terrance C. Prusik (Cynthia) and Michael Prusik, one brother Tom Prusik (Diane), two sisters Barbara Cailteux-Zevallos (Raoul) and Connie Amerasian (Aram) and three grand children, Sara, Michael and McKinnon. He enlisted in the U.S. Navy in 1958, where he met his first wife Mary. His tour of duty was four years, after which he enlisted in National Guard. Shortly thereafter he enlisted in the U.S. Army, serving two tours in Vietnam and various other locations until his retirement in 1980. He was a highly decorated Infantryman, with a total of 43 military awards, including 3 Purple Hearts. Mr. Prusik graduated from K-State Manhattan Kansas, after leaving military service, with three degrees: English, Literature and Drama. He was also a graduate of the University of Kansas City Missouri where he obtained a teaching certificate. Mr. Prusik was an accomplished poet and actor in Community Theatre. He enjoyed sport fishing, carpentry, riding motorcycles, nature and photography. He will be greatly missed. Visitation will be held on Monday, May 17, 2010 from 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. at the Davis Funeral Chapel, 531 Shawnee St., Leavenworth Kansas. Funeral services will be held on Tuesday, May 18, 2010 at 2:00 p.m. at the Davis Funeral Chapel, followed by a graveside service at McLouth Cemetery in McLouth Kansas. Afterwards there will be a celebration of Charles' life at the family home at 815 So. 5th St., Atchison Kansas. In lieu of flowers, donations may be given to the Wounded Warrior Project; P.O. Box 758516, Topeka Kansas, 66675-8516.

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Published by Kansas City Star on May 15, 2010.

Memories and Condolences
for CHARLES PRUSIK

Sponsored by Donna M. Davis-Prusik.

9 Entries

Donna M. Davis-Prusik

May 11, 2024

I went through all of the greeting cards we sent each other this week--it was hard. Your memory stays with me, along with the ever present regrets about things I may not have had control of at the time. But no matter what the memories are still there. RIP my love...

Barb Casteel

May 9, 2021

CJ, you will always be missed! I come across pictures of you, and remember the event. It was an honor to have known you!

Me in Vietnam 1970

Leigh Freeman

December 5, 2010

Donna,
As you know, CJ was my student teacher at Northeast High School. He made many meaningful connections with the students and taught them important lessons about literature and life. CJ's work with the VVA also helped the High School baseball team to acquire a pitching machine. CJ also helped me to reconnect with and to assist other Vietnam vets. He was a selfless, giving, and forgiving gentleman who I'll never forget.
Leigh Freeman

Rebecca Hardman

September 1, 2010

Donna,
I am saddened to learn CJ has passed. It has been years since I have seen you both, I will never forget the kindness and acceptance you gave me. Please know I still think of you and send my condolences. Here is my email if you would like to get in touch with me [email protected]

JoAnn S

June 8, 2010

Dear Donna,
So very, very sorry about your loss. Thank God that CJ had you! He will be missed terribly. Take good care of yourself. Your family in New York is sending you hugs!

Holly Miller

June 8, 2010

Dear Donna, I'm so glad that you and CJ found each other and became soul-mates and I am so sorry my dear friend had to leave us all behind. But I will treasure so many special memories and will hold you both in my heart forever...

June 8, 2010

My daughter, Nicole and I will always remember how you and C.J. took her under your wings during play practices of "Scrooge". I have many memories of 317's color guard days, picnics, how CJ would let us all know how he felt at chapter meetings. I used to say, "tell us how you really feel, CJ" and boy, would he.
Donna, I'm so sorry. He was your best friend

JEANI WELLS

Bill Harbottle

May 31, 2010

Dear Donna, Prayers and thoughts are with you and CJ's loved-ones. I was searching for you and CJ on the Internet today-Memorial Day-and I can't believe I ran across CJ's obit. It's been a long time since the Phoenix Sound days but I so remember how CJ brought such laughter to us. My life was changed in knowing CJ as I never directly knew about the way Nam affected lives until CJ. Love you both...Bill Harbottle 816-795-0027

Barbara Casteel

May 18, 2010

Donna, my prayers and thoughts are with you and your family at this time. I wish I could be there. CJ was a very special person that I was blessed to have known. One memory I have among many, was that he was our "Scrooge" at the VA on Christmas, with his overcoat, striped scarf and top hat. He will be missed and remembered always.
(from Barb - VVA, Chapter 317 and 243)

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