Richard A. Pruka

Richard A. Pruka, age 73, of Winona, passed away peacefully on Thursday, November 14, 2024, in the comfort of his home, surrounded by his loving family, following a short battle with metastatic melanoma.

He was born on August 17, 1951, in Winona, to George and Irene (Borkowski) Pruka, and was a graduate of Winona Senior High School.

Rick was united in marriage with Paula Brunner on August 22, 1970, at St. Matthew’s Ev. Lutheran Church in Winona.

He was employed with Brock Candy Company for 24 years, the food service of the Winona School District for 5 years, but his favorite job was working on and operating the family farm which he did for more than half of his life.

Rick will be remembered for his enjoyment of collecting eagles, working jigsaw puzzles, tinkering in his garage, mowing, and working on the farm. He also looked forward to attending farm auctions, and his fishing trips with Terry Hartman to Lake Vermillion.

His greatest joy in life was his family, and he especially cherished the time that he spent with grandchildren. His great sense of humor, joking, and teasing will be missed by all those who knew and loved him the most. 

Rick is lovingly survived by his wife, Paula; children: Dennis (Michelle) Pruka, Daniel (Kim) Pruka, Diana (special friend, Brad) Pruka, and Troy (Kim) Anderson; grandchildren: Connor (Gabi) Board, Wesley Board, Alanna (Tyler) Meyer, Skyler (Dan) Delaney, Jordan (Jake) Anderson, and Alyssa (Brandon) Anderson; great-grandchildren: Alex, Jeremiah, Benjamin, and Brynlee; siblings: Linda (Joel) Blome and Brian (Cindy) Pruka; in-laws: Jeanette (Tom) White, Bruce (Sheryl) Brunner, and Brian (Sherry) Brunner; an honorary grandson, Memphis Piechowski; his special cat, Smokey; grand-puppy, Bear; as well as numerous nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, other relatives, and many friends.

He was preceded in death by an infant son; his parents; brother and sister-in-law, David and Linda Pruka; and his in-laws: Harvey and Doris Brunner.

A celebration of Rick’s life will be held from 4 PM until 7 PM on Thursday, November 21, 2024, at the Watkowski-Mulyck Funeral Home, 376 E. Sarnia St., Winona. A luncheon and reception will be held at the funeral home during the celebration of life.

Rick’s family would like to extend their deepest appreciation to Winona Health Hospice for the loving care that he received. They would also like to encourage everyone to please consider being screened for cancer.

Online condolences or memories may be left for Rick’s family at www.watkowski-mulyck.com.