John Praska

John Praska, 86, of Warren, MN, passed away on Monday, December 9, 2024 at North Star Manor in Warren.

John Joseph was born on February 13, 1938, in the Grafton Hospital in Grafton, ND, the son of Albin and Ann (Schanilec) Praska. He was raised west of Pisek, ND and attended country school one mile from home. John would spend summers and the whole year of 1952 with an aunt and uncle helping with their farm. During his senior year of high school, he worked for a farmer by Fordville so he purchased a 1938 Harley Davidson motorcycle to get to work. After he graduated high school, John joined the US Air Force where he worked on B-47 Bombers and he was stationed in the Pacific on the islands of Guam, Mariana and Hawaii. He was honorably discharged in 1960. John started dating Gertrude “Corky” Novak and shortly thereafter were married at St. John Nepomucene Catholic Church in Pisek. John worked for Robertson Lumber where he managed lumberyards in Park River, Neche and Fordville, ND while they lived in Pisek. The family eventually moved to Warren in 1974 where he managed Robertson Lumber until his retirement.

He was a member of Sts. Peter and Paul Catholic Church.

John enjoyed restoring antique furniture including some pieces from Corky’s family. He taught himself how to weave cane to restore a now 200 year old rocker from her grandfather. John was an accomplished woodworker who also collected stamps. He enjoyed coffee time at the local cafe with friends, and playing poker with his brothers.

Grateful to have shared his life are his wife, Gertrude; sons, Jon (Paula) Praska, Jared (Jodi) Praska and Joel Praska; grandchildren, Kylea (Josh) Bernier, Zach Praska and Kennedy Praska; great-grandson, Collin Bernier; siblings, Declan (Roslie) Praska, Francis (Marilyn Praska and Sidney (Ruth) Praska and many other relatives and cherished friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Albin and Ann.

FUNERAL SERVICE: 1:30 PM on Friday, December 13, 2024 at Sts. Peter & Paul Catholic Church in Warren, MN.
VISITATION: One hour before service at the church.
INTERMENT: St. John Nepomucene Cemetery, Pisek, ND
MILITARY SERVICES BY: Warren American Legion Post #27 and US Air Force Funeral Honor Guard
ONLINE REGISTER BOOK: www.duborefuneralhome.com
Arrangements with DuBore Funeral Home of Warren, MN.