Dan Pratka

Daniel Raymond Pratka, age 86, of West, passed away early Wednesday afternoon, October 30, 2024 at his home, surrounded by his family.

A rosary will be recited 6:00 p.m. Monday at Aderhold Funeral Home Chapel, followed by visitation until 8:00 pm. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated 10:00 a.m. Tuesday, November 5, 2024 at St. Mary's Catholic Church of the Assumption in West, with Rev. Ed Karasek as celebrant. Burial will follow at St. Mary's Cemetery.

Dan was born on September 13, 1938, in West, to Vaclav and Anna (Pribyla) Pratka. He graduated from West High School in 1957 and furthered his education at Texas State Technical College. On October 31, 1959, he married the love of his life Evelyn Nors at the Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church in Abbott. Dan was an active member of St. Mary's Catholic Church of the Assumption, where he served as an Usher for over 20 years. He was also involved with the KJT Society #31 in West and was a lifetime member of the National Rifle Association. For 30 years, Dan was a mechanical engineer at Owens-Illinois Glass Plant in Waco until his retirement in 1993 and was a Reserve Deputy for the McLennan County Sheriff Department. He was a dedicated farmer practically his entire life and a true renaissance man, enjoying activities such as deer hunting, refinishing furniture, and building homes. His passion for restoring vehicles was evident, especially with his Oliver Tractors and the 1967 GTO he and Evelyn purchased when it was brand new. Dan was a kind and gentle man who was always willing to lend a hand to friends and neighbors in need. Above all, he cherished time spent with his family, particularly his grandchildren and great-grandson, creating lasting memories and bonds that defined his life.

Dan is preceded in death by his parents; daughter, Shelia Pratka Brown; and sister, Mildred Stanislav and her husband Jodie.

Survivors include his beloved wife of 65 years, Evelyn Pratka; daughter, Sharon Jackson and husband Andrew, all of West; his grandchildren, Joshua Jackson and wife Julia, Zachary Jackson, Cory Brown, and Alyssa Brown and significant other, Scott Nemec; great-grandson, Tobias Jackson; and many nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends.

Pallbearers are Cory Brown, Joshua Jackson, Zachary Jackson, Tim Kissinger, Randy Kissinger, Mike Kissinger, David Howard, Jeff Nors, and Joe Nors.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to West Volunteer Ambulance Association or St. Mary's Cemetery Association.