Lucian Prohaska

Lucian “Lou” Prohaska, age 86, of Brookings, passed away on Wednesday, March 20, 2024, at the Avera Heart Hospital in Sioux Falls.
Visitation will be from 5-7 p.m. on Tuesday, March 26, at Eidsness Funeral Home with a prayer service beginning at 6 p.m Funeral services will be 1 p.m. on Wednesday, March 27, at First United Methodist Church in Brookings. A private family burial will be held in Adel, Iowa.
Lou was born Feb. 19, 1938, in Des Moines, IA, to Fred and Nellie Prohaska. He grew up near Earlham, IA. He was confirmed in the Earlham Methodist Church and graduated from DeSoto Iowa High School. He met the love of his life, Karen, and they were married on June 1, 1958.
Lou’s love of airplanes and flying led him to join the Iowa Air National Guard on his 17th birthday during his junior year of high school. Lou attended Parks Air College in St. Louis, MO, after high school to earn his aviation mechanic (A&P) certificate, and he began work as an aircraft mechanic. He served with the Air Guard from 1955-1969 and achieved the rank of Master Sergeant in charge of the Special Project’s Shop. Lou also served on active duty in the Air Guard in France from 1961-62. He worked as a jet pilot and chief mechanic for American Republic Insurance, and as William’s Pipeline mechanic manager.
His work led the family to St. Louis, MO, to Adel, IA, to Carlisle, IA, to Iowa City, IA, and to Sioux Falls, SD. Lou felt a calling to serve God from seeds that were sown in his youth and throughout his life. After his last child graduated from high school, Lou enrolled in South Dakota State University, earned his Bachelor’s Degree in Sociology, enrolled in seminary at Kansas City’s St. Paul School of Theology, earned his Master’s of Divinity, and became a Methodist pastor. He served in Independence, MO while finishing seminary and had appointments in Edgemont/Pringle, SD, and also Winner, SD. Retirement brought Lou & Karen to Volga, SD, where he enjoyed leading a number of studies at Brookings First United Methodist Church. He was also active for a time in the Volga Lions Club and was a member of the American Legion.
Lou’s passions were camping, reading, feeding his birds, and creating wood projects. He treasured every visit to the Black Hills. He enjoyed the colors of the Red Canyon, getting his buffalo fix, and watching the wildlife. Lou loved making things for others. As he worked, he prayed for the person who would be the recipient of each piece. Quite often, when a project was complete, the person would also receive the blessing of a letter from him to accompany the project. Lou adored his family. He loved visits with and calls from his grandchildren, and recently gaining the title of great-grandpa. Lou also believed that the God of creation has a wonderful sense of humor, and Lou shared his own wit whenever he could to try to bring a smile.
Lou is survived by his wife Karen, daughter Laura (Morris) Cook, son Dan Prohaska, son John (Kim) Prohaska; Six grandchildren: Jensi, Stephen (Vee), Andrew (Lydia), Josh (Allison), Joe (Ellie), and Jacob Prohaska; Two great-grandchildren: Lane and Colter Prohaska; and sister Lucia (Harlan) Mueller.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Fred and Nellie Prohaska; son Joseph Prohaska, and daughter-in-law Colette Prohaska.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to Brookings First United Methodist Church missions or to any mission project that brings the love of God to support those in need.