Ben Prochaska

Prochaska, Ben F. MARSHALL - Ben F. Prochaska, age 79, of Marshall, passed away on Sunday, Aug. 5, 2007, at the HospiceCare Center, Fitchburg, after a battle with cancer. He was born on Dec. 1, 1927, in Lisle, Ill., to Frank and Blanche Prochaska. Ben graduated from Downers Grove High School in 1945. After graduation, Ben moved to Madison and joined Straus Printing Company. Shortly after starting at Straus Printing, Ben was called to serve his country in the U.S. Army during World War II, stationed in the Philippines. He was production manager for the Army newspaper. After the war ended, Ben returned to Straus Printing where he worked for more than 50 years. He was also owner of Community Maps. Ben was very active in public service to his community. He was a member of The Madison Young Adult Club, the Junior Chamber of Commerce where he held many positions on the local, state and national Board of Directors. Ben was National Junior Chamber of Commerce "Man of the Year - 1962". Ben served as president of Dane County March of Dimes as well as serving on the Board of Directors of the Dane County Chapter of the American Cancer Society. Ben was a member of St. Dennis Catholic Church where he served on the building committee and was an usher for many years. He loved to travel and was an avid Badgers and Packers fan. He married Arlene Arends Marr in 1969. She preceded him in death in 1985. Ben is survived by his sister, Rose (Tom) Pagel of Arizona; sister-in-law, companion and caregiver, Mary Lou Palmer of Marshall; five nephews; and many friends, including longtime work associates. In addition to his wife, he was preceded in death by his parents; and daughter, Barbara. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at ST. DENNIS CATHOLIC CHURCH, 505 Dempsey Road, Madison, at 10:30 a.m. on Friday, Aug. 10, 2007. Burial will be at Sunset Memory Gardens. Visitation will be held at GUNDERSON EAST FUNERAL HOME, 5203 Monona Drive, from 4 p.m. until 7 p.m. on Thursday, Aug. 9, 2007. Memorials may be made to HospiceCare Inc. Gunderson East Funeral & Cremation Centers 5203 Monona Drive (608) 221-5420 www.gundersonfh.com