Ronald (Ron) Lee Prochaska

Ronald Lee Prochaska, a lifelong farmer and proud steward of the Kansas land, passed away on March 8, 2026, at the age of eighty-five.

Born on September 5, 1940, on the family farm in Caldwell Kansas, Ron was the son of Vernon Prochaska and Rose Krenek Prochaska. He grew up learning the values of hard work, faith, and family - values that shaped the way he lived his life. From an early age, he developed a deep connection to the land, eventually dedicating his life to farming in the Kansas countryside.

For decades, Ron worked the fields with patience and determination, raising crops and caring for the land that meant so much to him. Farming was more than a livelihood - it was a way of life. Those who knew him remember his steady work ethic, his practical wisdom, and the quiet pride he took in a job well done.

Beyond farming, Ron raised livestock, served in the United States Army and National Guard, Army Reserve, sang in the Church Choir, was a 32nd Degree Mason and a Past Master OES, served as an American Legion Member, served as a board member of Wellington Community Theatre, acted with Winfield Community Theatre, built and repaired engines at Cessna Aircraft, Chevrolet Garage, Allis Chalmers and General Electric. He also held various positions across rural areas with the Oxford Alfalfa Company, and was employed in maintenance at GKN Aerospace. Ron took pleasure in assisting others, whether it was baling hay or lending a hand with any other tasks that needed doing. He especially treasured time spent with his wife, daughters, nieces, and nephews on the family farms in Oxford and Caldwell.

He is survived by Caren Prochaska, his loving wife of 62 years; his daughters, Sheri Prochaska and Mary Prochaska; his grandson Benjamin USMC; his brother, Paul Prochaska, his wife Linda Prochaska, and their children, Paula, Joe, Clint, Trent, and Brent; his brother Dean Prochaska, his wife Susan Prochaska, and their children Kelly & Michael; his brother Dan Prochaska, his wife Cathie Prochaska, and their children, Amy, Kevin, and Kyle; and his late sister-in-law Zoe, his late brother-in-law Ralph, and their children, Yvonne, Renaldo, Rolando, Roy, and Anita, their spouses, children, and many other relatives, friends, and neighbors whose lives he touched.

The Oxford Christian Church at 120 West Clark Street will host a Memorial Service on Friday, April 17th, 2026, at 2:00PM.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made online at https://www.gofundme.com/f/honoring-ron-prochaskas-life-legacy
or in person at The Emporium, located at 718 Main in Winfield. Assistance will be used to help with service costs and with ongoing farm expenses.