Donald Prenger

Mr. Donald Raymond "Don" Prenger, age 78, of Jefferson City, Mo., passed away peacefully Tuesday, September 9, 2025, at his home, surrounded by his loving family.

He was born on January 16, 1947, in Jefferson City, Mo., the son of the late Raymond Ferdinand and Frances M. (Wekenborg) Prenger. On November 15, 1968, Don was united in marriage to the love of his life, Mary Patricia "Pat" Riley, in Jefferson City. The couple shared over 50 years of marriage before her passing on December 5, 2019.

A lifelong resident of the Jefferson City area, Don was a 1964 graduate of Helias High School. In May 1966, he joined the United States Army and fulfilled his duty to his country as an expert rifleman and sharpshooter, serving during the Vietnam War. Don received honorable discharge in April 1968 and remained a proud veteran throughout his life even referring to his days in Vietnam as the "good times" reflecting on days of running heavy machinery and "playing" in his life size Tonka trucks. Don was later able to participate in the Honor Flight with his brother John, allowing him, among other Vietnam War veterans, to finally feel the respect and gratitude they were always owed for their service and sacrifice.

A deeply loyal man, Don worked as an electrician with Bee Seen Signs for more than 50 years, earning the position of Master Electrician. He was also a faithful member of St. Peter Catholic Church for many years, Knights of Columbus, and the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 1003.

Don was a man of many talents, woodworker, outdoorsman, world-class grandpa, and part-time comedian with a full-time stubborn streak. He lived his life with the kind of quiet strength that made you feel safe, and a mischievous glint in his eye that made you wonder what joke he was about to drop next.

Born with an explorer's heart and a fisherman's patience, Don had a deep and abiding love for the great outdoors. Whether he was casting a line into a quiet lake, tracking elk through the mountains, or simply sitting in silence with the birds outside his window, nature was his sanctuary. He even checked off two major adventures from his bucket list-traveling to Alaska and wandering through the wild beauty of Yellowstone.

Don wasn't just an adventurer; he was a craftsman too. He built beds for his kids that held strong through decades of jumping, and a playhouse for his daughter so detailed it had a spiral staircase. His hands could build anything, but their legacy was the love and memories he built with his family.

The cabin was Don's happy place. Whether it was hosting a full house of family or sneaking away with just his fishing pole and the trees for company, it was where he found peace. His grandkids, though, were his favorite crew. He liked his kids-but he loved his grandkids. They were his pride, his joy. Don was a sucker for a cute little baby and he was always concerned about the kids.

He was a man who believed in doing the right thing, even when it was hard. He never wanted to be a bother, but he was always there when you needed him-often before you even asked. Tough on the outside, soft on the inside, and stubborn enough to make a mule look agreeable, he had a heart that gave endlessly and a sense of humor that could lighten even the heaviest days.

If you knew Don, you were lucky. If you didn't, you truly missed out. He leaves behind a family full of stories, love, laughter, and a slightly warped sense of humor-just the way he liked it.

We'll miss him at every campfire, on every fishing trip, in every birdsong at the feeder. But we know Don's already found a quiet lake and a good boat.

Tight lines, Don. We'll see you on the next adventure.

He is survived by his three children, Angela Jefferson (Jim), Matthew Prenger (Valiente), and Elizabeth Prenger-Boeckmann (Steve); brother, John Prenger (Cecilia); sister, Ruth Gurwell (Allen); eight grandchildren; and a host of beloved great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his loving wife of 51 years, Pat; parents, Raymond and Frances; sister, Mary Ellen Wilde; and granddaughter, Natalie Raylin.

A Prayer Service will be conducted at 3:15 p.m. Sunday, September 14, 2025, at Freeman Mortuary. Visitation will immediately follow from 4:00 p.m. until 6:00 p.m. Sunday, September 14, 2025, in the Freeman Chapel.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:00 a.m. Monday, September 15, 2025, at Proto-Cathedral of St. Peter with Monsignor Robert A. Kurwicki, Diocesan Administrator, and Deacon Ric Telthorst officiating. Graveside services and inurnment will be held at St. Joseph and St. Martin Catholic Cemetery in Rhineland, Mo.

Memorial contributions are encouraged and suggested to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude’s Place, Memphis, TN 38105.

Funeral arrangements are under the care of Freeman Mortuary.