Francis J. Pruss, Francis J. Pruss

Francis J. Pruss, 86, of Cedar Rapids, died peacefully Monday, Sept. 7, 2009, at St. Luke's Hospital following a brief illness. Funeral Mass: 10 a.m. Friday at St. Matthew's Catholic Church, Cedar Rapids, with Father Mark Osterhaus officiating. Visitation: 4 to 7 p.m. Thursday at Cedar Memorial Park Funeral Home and from 9 a.m. to service time Friday at the church. Military rites will follow the evening visitation at 7 p.m. Thursday. Private inurnment will be held at a later date.

Survivors include his daughters, Judith Pruss Rogers of Richmond Hill, Ontario, Lisa Pruss Fenner (Larry) and Sharon Pruss Taylor (Richard), all of Cedar Rapids; stepdaughter, Vickie Beranek of Colton, Calif.; stepson, Michael Beranek of Denver, Colo.; grandchildren, Thomas Rogers, Claire Rogers, Alexandria Koranda, Taylor Koranda and Gracelyn Taylor; stepgrandchildren, Sarah Fenner, Matt Fenner, Olivia Taylor, Nichole Beranek and Weston Beranek; brothers, Albert Pruss (Lois) of Midland, Mich., Richard Pruss (Doris) of Dodge, Neb., and Father Rodney Pruss of Goodyear, Ariz.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his granddaughter, Faith Kluthe Curtis; and his stepson, Kenneth Beranek.

Francis J. Pruss was born Oct. 15, 1922, in Orchard, Neb., the son of Albert and Bessie (Tresnak) Pruss. He was a World War II U.S. Army veteran serving as a staff sergeant in the European Theatre and was awarded the Bronze Star for meritorious achievement. Francis graduated with honors from the University of Michigan Law School and practiced law in Cedar Rapids and Central City for many years until his retirement in 1982. Francis was well known in Linn County for his legal tenacity and his love of farming. He had a vision for land development, the proceeds from which will provide a significant benefit to student scholarship funds at Kirkwood Community College, Coe College, Mount Mercy College, Eastern Michigan University and the University of Michigan.

Memorials may be given in his name to the American Lung Association or Kirkwood Foundation, 6301 Kirkwood Blvd. SW, Cedar Rapids, IA 52404

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