Gerald H. Praska

Gerald Praska, age 90, of New Hampton, IA passed away of natural causes on Tuesday, November 17, 2020 at his home with his family by his side. A Private Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 AM on Friday, November 20, 2020 at Our lady of Mt. Carmel Catholic Church in Lawler, IA with Father Nick Radloff celebrating. Burial will be at Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Cemetery. Memorials may be directed to Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Catholic Church in Lawler. Gerald Howard was born July 29, 1930, the son of Louis and A. Florence (Clynch) Praska on their family farm near Lourdes, IA. He attended country school. After completing his education, Gerald began his farming career next to his father, until he was drafted into the US Army during the Korean War. During the war, he fought on the frontlines of Korea receiving an honorable discharge. Gerald returned home where he met the love of his life, Elverna Leibold at dances held at the Lawler Legion. The couple was united in marriage on May 24, 1955 at Our Lady of Mt. Carmel in Lawler. They began their married life farming in Howard County. In the spring of 1958, the couple purchased their farm near Lawler where they still reside. They welcomed their four children, John, Tom, Donna and Diane. He worked for John Deere in Waterloo until he retired in 1992. In retirement, Gerald and Elverna enjoyed traveling to Australia, New Zealand, taking many bus trips, attending fairs, Farm Progress Shows and most especially visiting their grandchildren. Those left to honor Gerald’s memory are his wife, Elverna Praska of New Hampton; his children, John Praska and Tom Praska, both of New Hampton, Donna Praska of Rochester, MN and Diane Smith of Madison, WI; his grandchildren, James of Irvine, CA, Victoria of West Des Moines, IA and Paul of Alexandria, VA and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents; his siblings, Francis, Gloria, Donald and Leo.