George A. Prnka

George A. Prnka, age 85, of West, passed away late Friday night, January 21, 2005 at a Bellmead nursing home. A rosary will be recited 10:00 a.m. Tuesday at St. Mary's Catholic Church of the Assumption in West. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated 10:15 a.m. Tuesday at St. Mary's Catholic Church of the Assumption, with Rev. Ed Karasek as celebrant. Military Graveside Rites will follow at St. Mary's Cemetery, conducted by V.F.W. Post No. 4819. The family will receive visitors from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. Monday at the funeral home. Mr. Prnka was born March 19, 1919 in West, the son of Frank J. and Marie (Mensik) Prnka. He attended St. Mary's School and entered the United State Army in 1941. He served his country during World War II with the 36th division and was honorably discharged at the rank of Sergeant in 1945. Upon his return to West, he married Frances Manna on November 25, 1946. She preceded him in death on July 9, 2004. Mr. Prnka was an independent carpenter for over 30 years before retiring in 1981. He was a member of the Veterans of Foreign War Post No 4819 and the R.V.O.S. Lodge. He was also a lifelong member of St. Mary's Catholic Church of the Assumption. Mr. Prnka considered himself a gentlemen farmer who loved to work with his hands and ride his John Deere tractor. Survivors include two sons, George F. Prnka and Edwin H. Prnka and his wife Annette, all of West; a daughter, Helen Sanchez and her husband Jesse of East Bernard; four sisters, Victoria Holecek of Austin, Geneve Kruger of Malone, Christine Bradley of Houston, and Angeline Birkes of Waco; four grandchildren, Jeremy Prnka, Jennifer Prnka, Jessie Sanchez, and Kasey Sanchez; and many nieces and nephews. Pallbearers are James Kostecka, Jesse Sanchez III, Jeremy Prnka, Jesse Sanchez Jr., Edwin Prnka, and George F. Prnka. Memorials may be made to St. Mary's Parish Center.