Prochaska, Thomas R.

Thomas R. Prochaska, 64, of Dubuque, died Friday, Dec. 11, 2009, at home. Funeral services will be 10:30 a.m. Monday at St. Anthony's Catholic Church, Dubuque. Burial will be at a later date. Friends may call from 3 to 7 p.m. today at Egelhof, Siegert & Casper Westview Funeral Home and Cremation Services, 2659 JFK Rd., Dubuque.

Thomas was born April 23, 1945, in Independence, Iowa, the son of Frank and Marie (Sullivan) Prochaska. He grew up in Independence and graduated from St. John's High School. On Oct. 19, 1968, he married Judy Crapp at St. Clement's Catholic Church in Lancaster, Wis. Thomas started his 37-year career at Klauer Manufacturing as a welder and currently served as supervisor. He was a member of St. Anthony's Parish. He also served on the welding advisory board at Northeast Iowa Technical Institute (currently Northeast Iowa Community College).

Thomas enjoyed the casinos, playing the lottery, Wednesday evening euchre league, his Texas Hold' Em group and playing golf. He was a volunteer greeter at the National Mississippi River Museum and Aquarium for over 4½ years.

Surviving are his wife, Judy of Dubuque; his children, Scott Prochaska of North Liberty and Staci (Warren) Valenta of Cedar Rapids; his grandchildren, Justin and Taylor Valenta; his brother, Francis (Anna Mae) Prochaska of Bella Vista, Ark.; his sister, Jean Ann Burke of Independence; a sister-in-law, Jeanne Prochaska of Washington, Iowa; and his brothers- and sisters-in-law, Virgil (Jean) Cray, Roger (Sheila) Crapp, Marlene (Dick) Wepking, Bill (Sandy) Noble and Russ (Patsy) Noble.

He was preceded in death by his parents; a brother, John; and a brother-in-law, Joe Burke.

In lieu of flowers, a Thomas R. Prochaska memorial fund has been established.

The Prochaska family wishes to extend a thank you to the staff at Hospice of Dubuque for their unending care and support.

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