Darwin Albert Prochaska
September 15, 2013
Darwin Albert Prochaska, 86, passed away at his residence on Sunday, September 15, 2013.
Darwin was born on September 24, 1926 in Curlew, Iowa to Leonard and Pearl (Shaffer) Prochaska. He was baptized on February 27, 1948 at Trinity Lutheran Church in Mallard, Iowa by Reverend C.F. Hinricks and confirmed two days later on February 29. Darwin married Elaine Gade on September 19, 1948 at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Emmetsburg, Iowa with the Reverend A.J. Ansorge officiating.
Darwin served as a Church Elder and Director of Church Property at Redeemer Lutheran Church in Marshalltown. He also sang in the church choir, was Director of Youth Ministry, and acted as Bible Study Leader. Darwin more recently was a member of Our Saviour Lutheran Church in Des Moines.
Darwin served in the U.S. Army from 1944 to 1946 in the rank of Staff Sergeant in occupied Japan. He worked for Mallard Creamery Company for 14 years and Schellhammer Funeral Home for 11 years. He started the M.M.S.C. Ambulance Service in Marshalltown in 1969. He served as the Director for 7 years and Safety Director for 12 years. After retirement, Darwin worked for Laborers for Christ.
Darwin is survived by his children, Rachel Starck (Allen) and Ruth Downey (Al), grandchildren, Kristin Taft (Scott) and Joshua Prochaska, and numerous in-laws, nieces, nephews and cousins.
He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife, Elaine, and son, Darrell Prochaska.
Funeral services will be held at 10 a.m. Friday, September 20, 2013 at Our Saviour Lutheran Church, 4003 2nd Avenue. Burial will take place at 2 p.m. the same day at Rush Lake Cemetery in Curlew, Iowa. Family will greet friends from 5 to 7 p.m. Thursday, September 19, 2013 at Hamilton’s Funeral Home, 605 Lyon Street.
Memorial contributions may be directed to the V.A. Volunteer Services/Community Living Center or to Our Saviour Lutheran Church.
Condolences may be expressed at www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com
The family of Darwin would like to thank the Doctors and Staff at the Community Living Center of the V.A. and Luther Park for the wonderful care he received.
Bud and Diane Starn
09/20/2013
Rachel and Ruth,
So sorry to hear of Darwin's passing. Lots of memories from his years at MMSC.
Bud and Diane
Stuart Bell
09/19/2013
My condolences on the passing of Darwin. It was always a pleasure working with him all of those years at the hospital. Stu Bell
Dave and Kristi Reinders
09/18/2013
Rachel, and Ruth,
our sympathy goes out to you. Darwin was a GREAT uncle. He did a lot for us over the years and was always there to lend a hand or an ear. We will miss him greatly!! We wish we could be there for the funeral!!! Please know our hearts will be. Dave and Kristi Reinders
Charlene Hulin
09/18/2013
Rachel, So sorry to see that your father has passed away. We worked together a long time at MMSC in Marshalltown and I always enjoyed visiting with him about his family. You were always high priority. Keeping you in my thoughts and prayers.