Mary Prohaska Obituary
Obituary published on Legacy.com by Holden Cremation & Funeral Service - Sparta on Oct. 1, 2025.
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Mary Marlene Prohaska, whose love for the simple beauties of life, passed away peacefully, surrounded by family on July 21st, 2025, at the age of 75. Born on June 5th, 1950, in Omaha, NE, Mary brought joy to those who knew her. She was devoted to her family and the wonders of the natural world around her.
Mary grew up on a farm on Hwy 66 and attended country school. Growing up, she loved cats; she had two naughty Siamese cats. One day, they tore off the wallpaper in the family living room, climbed the curtains and made their way up to the ceiling!
Mary was a graduate of Plattsmouth High School. She worked at Nebraska Masonic Home for 36 years, where she was a caregiver to hundreds of residents. During those years, she was valued and loved by her co-workers, the residents, and the residents' families. She always had a pleasant personality with a sweet smile on her face. For all of you here today that knew Mary, she loved to clean, almost as much as she loved to make others laugh. Taking care of the residents didn't stop there; she made sure they were beautifully dressed; their blankets had to match their clothes; there was never a hair out of place and makeup was applied if that was their wish. It didn't end just there before she left each resident's room, she would make sure their fresh flowers had new water; she'd pick the dead leaves off the plants, and she made sure the wastebaskets were emptied. She was the kind of person who could find a speck of dust in a snowstorm.
Mary's heart found its match in Armond Kissel, her beloved partner of 37 years, with whom she navigated the adventures of life with unwavering support and affection.
Mary's inner heart and soul shined through as a mother to her daughter, Deanna, who was her pride and joy. She was a grandmother to Lauren and Olivia, and her newest addition was her great-granddaughter, Ellie. And we can't forget about Sparky, her Yorkie who loved her for the past 11 years and always sat on her lap and begged for treats.
Mary had a passion for being outdoors, she loved sitting on her back deck waiting for all kinds of wildlife to appear. She found solace in the company of her beloved hummingbirds, whose delicate presence at her feeders was a source of endless fascination and delight. Her eyes would light up at the sight of all the graceful creatures, as a reflection of the natural beauty she adored. Except for snakes, she hated snakes! And she loved seeing the Redbuds in bloom and the sweet smell of the Magnolia trees. She loved boating and hanging out at the pool with friends.
Mary's love for the festive spirit of Christmas was well-known among her loved ones. She always loved when family came to visit, but she especially during the Holiday season; she wanted them to experience Branson's transformation into a winter wonderland. She loved the Christmas shows and the attractions like Silver Dollar City which was within walking distance.
Mary's legacy is one of love, compassion, and an appreciation for the world's simple pleasures. Her memory will be a guiding light for those who were fortune enough to know her, inspiring them to find joy in everyday life and to nurture the bonds of family.
As the sun sets on Mary's earthly journey, her spirit will continue to flourish in the violets, orchids, and the outside flower beds she tended, the birds she admired, and most importantly, in the hearts of those she touched. While she may have left from this world, the essence of Mary Pro will forever remain a cherished memory, as beautiful and enduring as the plants and flowers she so lovingly nurtured.
Mary is survived by.
Life-partner Armond Kissel of Branson, MO,
Daughter Deanna (Todd) Mitteis of Valley, NE,
Grand-children Lauren (Broc) Streck of Silver City, IA
Olivia Winscot (Braden Heidbrink) of Hickman, NE.
Blair Mitteis, Rachael Mitteis and Aaron Mitteis all of Omaha.
Siblings
John (Karen) Tschirren, Plattsmouth, NE
Sharon (Stan) Taylor of San Diego, CA
Barb (Tom) Davenport, Plattsmouth, NE
Dennis (Shirley) Tschirren, Omaha, NE
Jim (Sheila) Tschirren, Plattsmouth, NE
Karen (Zane) Reed, Beaver Lake, NE
Sister-in-law Stacey (Snorkel) Tschirren, Plattsmouth, NE
Stepsiblings
Alfred (Sue) Major Plattsmouth, NE
Joanne Peterson, Plattsmouth, NE
Violet (John) Johnson Omaha, NE
Carol Meyer Omaha, NE.
Grandchildren
Ellie Streck
Elihu and Luca Mitteis
Mary was proceeded in death by her grandparents Fred & Mary Tschirren.
Father Robert T Tschirren and Stepmother Ethel L Tschirren
Brother Gene (Snorkel) Tschirren
Stepbrother Ralph Major
Robert A Kissel and Billie J Kissel
Services are Wednesday, August 13th at St Paul's Community Church at 10:30 AM, Plattsmouth, NE
A lunch will follow afterwards, at the church.
***A Split leaf Japanese Maple Tree will be planted in Mary's name at the Nebraska Masonic Home.
To plant a beautiful memorial tree in memory of Mary, please visit our Tree Store.