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MADISON - Born on Oct. 9, 1926, in Marathon, Wis. George started out as a fighter, being born in his mother and father’s bed weighing only 3lbs, 3oz, full term. He and his six siblings grew up in Marathon, Wis., with their parents, Rudolph and Maria “Mary” Prihoda.

Growing up, George attended Saint Mary’s Grade School and Marathon High School. While in high school, George was a good student, but an even better athlete! At a “towering” 5 foot 6 inches tall, George commanded the basketball team from his position as guard and held many scoring and assist records long after he graduated.

In 1944, immediately after graduation, George joined the U.S. Navy and was stationed in the Pacific Theatre sailing on the USS Enterprise, the USS Attu, and finally on the USS ABSD-2 floating dry dock, often called “Nimitz’s Secret Weapon.”

Upon returning from the war, George attended Central State Teacher’s College (now UW Stevens Point). Again, George played basketball for Central State and led the team to three winning seasons. George graduated with a teaching degree in Math and History. Armed with his teaching degree, he taught and coached at Centuria High School in Centuria, Wis., teaching Math and coaching four sports a year -- baseball and track in the same season!

While attending a wedding at Rib River Ballroom in Marathon, George met the love of his life, Joyce Bradley, and the two were married on May 28, 1960. Moving to La Crosse after the wedding, and then to Madison a short while later, George then took a finance position at CIT Corp, and although he would change companies throughout the years, finance was where he stayed. His next opportunity was with WPS, where he worked with Blue Cross/Blue Shield and was pivotal in the development of the Champus program for the State. After a short stay with Wisconsin Mobile Homes as their finance director, George finished his career as the Administrator for Affiliated University Physicians before retiring for the first time in 1992.

Of course, George could not just sit still! After his retirement he spent several years on the Board of Directors for the St. Vincent DePaul Society and worked for Permar at Badger Games, managing the McClain Center, and escorting the football coaches to the stadium on gamedays. He cherished that time with “Barry and the boys,” and always spoke fondly of that era of coaches, especially Barry Alvarez and Dan McCarney.

God, Family, and Community were always forefront in George’s life. When he and Joyce moved to Madison, they become charter members of St. Dennis Catholic Church and served the church family for nearly 50 years. George served in countless ways, from counting collections to setting up stands and electrical for the yearly festival. He also served on the finance committee for many years. George was also a dedicated member of the Knights of Columbus, Council No. 531 for over 60 years. George served in many roles and officer positions, and finally as Grand Knight. He also attained 4th Degree status which earned him the title of “Sir Knight.” George was also a skilled bowler and bowled in the Knights of Columbus league for many years, winning many tournaments and often finishing at the top of the league. Finally, George was an avid golfer, and even had a “hole-in-one” on the 17th hole at Odana Golf Course!

When he finally retired a second time, he took on the most important role of his life as caregiver for his wife, Joyce, as she faced her challenges with Alzheimer’s until she passed away in 2007. George cared so lovingly for Joyce and made sure she always knew she was loved and that he would always be there for her. For that he has earned a special place in heaven and is there now, with the love of his life.

George is survived by his three children, Bill Prihoda (Kathie), Mary Jo Clerkin (Mike) and Ann Westrich (Greg). He and Joyce were also blessed with nine grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren.

George was preceded in death by his wife, Joyce; grandson, Tommy Westrich; his siblings, Elsie Allen, Charlie Prihoda, Rose Sauter, Rudy Prihoda, Sylvester Prihoda and Marie Zoellner. (By the way…at 97, Dad beat Elsie by one year.)

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at ST. DENNIS CATHOLIC CHURCH, 505 Dempsey Road, Madison, at 11 a.m. on Thursday, April 11, 2024, with Father Gary Krahenbuhl presiding. A luncheon will follow. Burial will take place at Highland Memory Gardens. Visitation will be held at GUNDERSON EAST FUNERAL AND CREMATION CARE, 5203 Monona Drive, Madison, from 3 p.m. until 6 p.m. on Wednesday, April 10, 2024, and also at the church from 10 a.m. until the time of the Mass on Thursday.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Agrace Hospice Center and the Agrace Foundation (www.agrace.org/donate/).

Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com.

Gunderson East
Funeral & Cremation Care
5203 Monona Drive
(608) 221-5420

George William Prihoda

October 09, 1926 - April 05, 2024

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