Michael Prunty

Michael Prunty, 70, of Delano, formerly of Willmar, died Thursday, October 30th at Ridgeview Hospital in Waconia. His funeral will be 11:00 am, Friday, November 14th at Living Hope in Willmar. Visitation will be from 5-7:00 pm, Thursday, November 13th at Harvey Anderson & Johnson Funeral Home in Willmar and continue one hour prior to the service at the church. www.hafh.org
To celebrate Mike's life, feel free to wear colors to the funeral based on how you knew him. If you knew Mike from Jasper, wear your best Quartzsiter sweatshirt or orange and black. If you knew Mike from Willmar, wear your Cardinal windbreaker or red and white. If you knew Mike from any other walk of life, please wear navy, gold or green in honor of his unwavering love for Notre Dame and the Fighting Irish.
In lieu of flowers, the family is asking for donations to be sent to the Cardinal Pride Organization in honor of Mike's love and work in education. Please send your donations to Cardinal Pride, PO Box 1534, Willmar, MN 56201.
Michael Paul Prunty was born to Thomas and Betty (Moses) Prunty on August 7, 1955, and spent his childhood tearing up the streets of Jasper, Minnesota with his brothers and sisters. Growing up, Mike excelled in athletics; participating in football, basketball, baseball, and track. Additionally, he was known to grace the stage in a variety of theater performances, making him a real renaissance man. No one was prouder to be a Jasper Quartzsiter.
He graduated from Jasper in 1974, where his athletic ability took him first to South Dakota State University to play football and then to Southwest State University where he played baseball. Mike continued in his parents' footsteps by going into the field of education and majoring in elementary ed. He took his first job as a 5th grade teacher in Ivanhoe, where he taught for two years. It was during this time, he agreed to go on a blind date set up by a college buddy. Despite calling her Joyce on their first date, Mike was able to win over the heart of Janice Baumann. On July 31, 1982, Mike and Jan were married in Willmar.
Mike was the proud father of two children, Marji and Tom. He was an intentional dad, never missing an opportunity to play with his kids. Hours were spent shooting hoops on the driveway, tossing the football in the back yard, helping with homework, and playing Madden football in the basement. Mike and Jan made it to every single game their kids played in, every single theater performance, and every single parent-teacher conference. He coached their basketball and baseball teams for years. He truly was the best dad.
Mike's dedication and influence in the Willmar Public School system was far reaching. He taught 5th grade before going back to school and getting his administration license from St. Cloud State. During this time, he proudly served on the coaching staff for both the Willmar Cardinal football and baseball teams. One of many highlight moments was being the assistant coach when the boy's baseball team won the 1987 state tournament in a come from behind win. Mike's career as head principal started at Garfield Elementary School and later was the principal at Roosevelt and Kennedy Elementary. It seemed every time a new school was built, Mike was asked to take the lead. This happened again in 1997, when Mike was asked to switch schools in October to take the head principal role at Willmar Junior High. It was here that he finished out his career in 2006. Regardless of what school he was leading; Mike led with dedication, understanding, grace, and humor. He was a boss that everyone loved.
Mike enjoyed tinkering in his garage, managing his mildly successful fantasy football team, cheering for the Notre Dame Fighting Irish, and golfing with his buddies.
In 2003, Mike was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis and while this disease took a lot from him over the years, it did not take his smile, his ability to appreciate humor, or his love. He lived an absolutely beautiful life.
Mike is survived by his wife of 43 years, Janice; daughter, Marji (Matt) Miller; son, Tom (Ana) Prunty; grandchildren: Evelyn, Henry, Rosie, Harper, and Mikey; sisters: Patricia (Greg) Thompson and Jeanne (Ken) Heitzman; brothers: Steven (Sue) Prunty and Matthew (Nancy) Prunty; his many wonderful in-laws; lots of nieces and nephews; and many special friends from the many chapters of his life.
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