Robert E. Prokash

1928 - 2015

Prokash, Robert E.

Robert E. Prokash, age 87, of Wisconsin Rapids, WI died Sunday, October 18, 2015 at Aspirus Wausau Hospital, Wausau, WI.

Funeral Services are 11:00 AM Saturday, October 24, 2015 at Our Lady Queen of Heaven Catholic Church at (750 10th Avenue South), Wisconsin Rapids, WI. Rev. Valentine Joseph will officiate. Visitation will be at Ritchay Funeral Home in Wisconsin Rapids, WI from 4:00-8:00 PM Friday and Saturday at the Church from 10:00-11:00 AM. There will be a Knights of Columbus Rosary at 6:30 PM Friday at the funeral home. Entombment will be in Forest Hill Mausoleum.

**Please Note: Bob was a long time member of St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Church but due to scheduling the service will be held at Our Lady Queen of Heaven Catholic Church.

Bob was born February 13, 1928 in Kewaunee, WI to Emil and Anna (Repitz) Prokash. He graduated from Kewaunee High School in 1945. Robert married June A. Guse, his high school sweetheart, on June 11, 1953 in Kewaunee, WI. She preceded him in death on June 24, 1996. Robert proudly served in the U.S. Army as a member of the 169th Medical Company.

Bob moved to Wisconsin Rapids in 1960 as manager of the Red Owl Store until 1973. In November 1973 he owned and operated Bob's Castle Foods until his retirement in 1999. Bob was affectionately called "Sir Bob".

Bob was President and nine year Board of Directors member of the Wisconsin Rapids Chamber of Commerce and also served as an ambassador for many years. He was a member of the Wisconsin Rapids Lions Club where he served as President and received the Melvin Jones Award and the Birch-Sturm Award. Bob was a 3rd and 4th Degree Knights of Columbus, Council #1558 of Wisconsin Rapids, also serving as their Grand Knight. Bob also served on the Board of Directors at Solarus/Wood County Telephone Company since 1980 and also served on the Board of Directors for Valley Bakers. Bob was also a long time member of the Wisconsin Rapids Serra Club.

Bob was a devoted father, grandfather, and great grandfather. His family was most important. He enjoyed spending the winter months at his condo in Naples, FL and the summer months at home in Wisconsin Rapids. Bob was an avid fisherman proudly winning first prize in the Kewaunee-Door County Salmon Tournament. He also enjoyed golfing, playing cards and the Green Bay Packers.

Bob is survived by one son, Kenneth (Kristi) Prokash of Wisconsin Rapids, WI; three daughters, LuAnn Nelson of Green Bay, WI, Jackie Prokash of Minneapolis, MN and Holly (David) Pokrandt of Eau Claire, WI; one sister, Doris Berthold of Little Chute, WI; nine grandchildren, Kristi (Joe) Foy, Kari Nelson, Ryan Nelson, Adam Liter, JJ Liter, Katie Pokrandt, Megan Pokrandt, Nicole (Chris) Schabow and Erin (Aaron) Wiskerchen; five great grandchildren, Connor Foy, Keira Foy, Gavin Foy, Taylor Schabow and Henry Wiskerchen and is also survived by nieces, nephews and many special friends.

Bob was preceded in death by his wife, June; son-in-law, Robert Nelson; parents, Emil and Anna Prokash; in laws, Herman and Lucy Guse; brother-in-law and sister-in -law, Orvel and Audrey Schultz, brother-in-law, Don Berthold and nephew, Tom Schultz.

In lieu of flowers memorials can be designated to the Wisconsin Lions Camp in Rosholt, WI or to the Assumption High School Prokash Scholarship Fund

"Bob's family would like to thank the staffs at The Renaissance, Davita Dialysis, Atrium Post Acute Care and Aspirus Doctors Clinic and Aspirus Hospital for the loving, compassionate care given to Bob these past years."