Jack J. Prokash

Jack Prokash died at home on Friday, July 20, after a pitched battle with many illnesses for many years.  His family was caring for him with the help of Unity Hospice, whom they would like to thank for their tremendous support.

Jack was born to Alvin and Emily (Thiry) Prokash on September 4, 1942.  He grew up on the family farm just south of Algoma, the city he lived in all the rest of his life.   His siblings were Carol, Geraldine, Jackie (Willie), Linda, Alvin Jr. (Laura), Cindy and Rick.  He was predeceased by his parents, and his sisters Geri and Linda, and by brothers-in-law Larry Ryan, Ron Marquardt, and Loyal Jones.  He is survived by his brothers and sisters and their extended families.  He is also survived by his sisters-in-law and their families; Judy Zervas, Jan (Dan) Krause, and Jo (Paul) Vanderbloemen.

Jack graduated from Algoma High where he played sports and was prom king.  He married his high school sweetheart, Jill Canney, on March 3rd, 1962.  Jack and Jill had six children: Scott, Curt, Mark (Sam), Paula (Scott) Wiese, Ted (Jennifer), and Emily (Ben) Groessl.  They all survive with heavy hearts.

Jack is also survived by his grandchildren: Becky (Isaac) Vertz, and Peyton; Justin (Christine) Putnam, Hunter, and Booker; Jake and Hanna Wiese; Eliot, Maddie and Charlie; and Jack and Lola Groessl.  He is also survived by Justin and Christine’s family and by great-grandchildren Mason and Chase.

Jack worked his whole career at Algoma Hardwoods.  Starting when it was U.S. Plywood and working on the floor on the high-frequency gluers, he eventually worked in the office in many capacities: he helped implement the first IBM mainframe and computer system, worked in inventory control and cost accounting, and ended up as a lumber and veneer buyer, a job he enjoyed.  He was respected throughout the plant for his dedication, knowledge and diligence.

Jack was a family man who taught his sons to play ball, golf, hunt and fish.  They all suffer various addictions to these pursuits.  He was a protector of his beloved daughters and it is no coincidence they both married gentlemen.

Later in life in poor health, he had to enjoy slower pursuits: he swore at his beloved Packers, played Yahtzee and sheepshead to win, and enjoyed sunning himself on the porch with a smoke (alas) while he studied the comings and goings of fellow Algomans.  He was devoted to his wife, of 56 years, Jill (Charlemagne).

He took care in the things he did; if he handed you a grocery list it was so neatly printed that you were afraid to screw it up or throw it away.

Like his mother, he had a sure hand with little babies.

To the very end of his life he worried more about his wife and children than himself.

Visitation will be at the Wiesner & Massart – Algoma, Funeral Home, 1617 Flora Ave. Algoma, WI 54201 from 2-7 pm on Tuesday, July 24, 2018. Jack’s memorial service will take place 7 pm at the funeral home with Fr. Alvan Amadi officiating. Burial will take place at the St. Mary’s Cemetery at a later date. Online condolence messages may be shared at www.wiesnermassart.com.