Harvey Prnka

Harvey Prnka, age 94, of West, passed away Monday evening, April 13, 2009 at West Rest Haven. A rosary will be recited and Mass of Christian Burial celebrated 10:00 a.m. Thursday at St. Mary's Catholic Church of the Assumption with Rev. Ed Karasek as celebrant assisted by Deacon Will Straten. Military Graveside Rites will follow at St. Mary's Cemetery, conducted by West V.F.W. Post No. 4819. The family will receive visitors from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. Wednesday at the funeral home. Harvey was born on April 12, 1915 in West, the son of Havel and Emilie (Pistak) Prnka. He attended Ross schools and on December 27, 1942, he was united in marriage to Martha Stojanik in West. Harvey also served his country during World War II. He worked for James Connally Air Base for several years and helped build homes for soldiers. Harvey was a self-employed carpenter, farmer, and mechanic, who owned and operated Harvey's Tractor Repair for over 50 years before retiring in 1980. He enjoyed going to West Trojan football games and was an avid Dallas Cowboy fan. He also enjoyed attending all of his children's sports events. Harvey was a beekeeper and loved to play taroky with his friends, hunt bull frogs, gardening, plowing, hauling hay, and was always there to help anyone who needed him. Harvey also loved his animals, especially Fuzinca, Cherny, Eli & Fuzzy. He was a member of SPJST Lodge #6 in Cottonwood, RVOS Lodge 46, Knights of Columbus Council #2305, and American Legion of West. He is preceded in death by his parents, his brother, Frank Prnka and his sister, Annie Waller; a great-grandchild, Stephen Hernandez. Survivors include his wife Martha Prnka of West; five daughters, Joan Ondrej and husband Lawrence, Dorothy Straten and husband David, Linda Straten and husband Robert, all of West, Alice Powell and husband Randall of Allen, and Carolyn Munn and husband Bob of Waco; one sister, Agnes Zettler of Waco; nine grandchildren, Larry Ondrej and wife Gail, Lisa McAdams and husband Duane, Ryan Straten, Deacon Will Straten, Betsy Straten, Emma Straten, Craig Munn, Brent Munn, and Catie Munn; eight great-grandchildren, Raymond, Ashley, Audrie, Keith, Dylan, Ty, Catherine, Trey; three great-great-grandchildren, Christopher, Elijah, and Camrym; and several nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends. Active pallbearers are his grandchildren, Larry Ondrej, Lisa McAdams, Ryan Straten, Deacon Will Straten, Betsy Straten, Emma Straten, Craig Munn, Brent Munn and Catie Munn. Honorary pallbearers are his great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren. In lieu of flower, memorials may be made to Fuzzy Friends or the Infant of Prague Prayer Garden. The family would like to express their heartfelt thanks to Dr. George Smith, Harvey's special nurse, Andrea, and all the other wonderful nursing staff, aides and residents of West Rest Haven for their love and support during his stay at the nursing home.