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Bob Prasse

Bob Prasse, 85, died June 28, 2012, in Woodstock.

He was born May 13, 1927, in St. Louis, Mo., to Herman and Phyllis (Grossius) Prasse.

He graduated in 1944 from Hirsch High School in Chicago and soon after joined the U.S. Navy, where he served in the Pacific Theater.

In 1951, he married his wife of more than 60 years, Darlene M. (Ahrens) Prasse, and together they had three children, Marliss, Brad (Leah) and Craig (Bonnie).

He received a mechanical engineering degree from the Illinois Institute of Technology in 1955. He excelled during his professional career as a sales engineer, retiring in 1988 from Westinghouse Corp. He was a man of faith and he instituted a PADS program at Our Saviour’s Lutheran Church, Arlington Heights. He also started a Stephen’s Ministry program at Shepherd of the Hills Lutheran Church, McHenry, and raised funds for one of his favorite charities, Habitat for Humanity.  He loved life and telling jokes.

One of his greatest joys was sailing, and in 1976, he and his wife bought a sailboat.  They spent many weekends sailing in Lake Geneva, Wis. He and his wife began traveling internationally in the 1960s.

Survivors include eight grandchildren, Elliott and Carter (Ashley) Prasse-Freeman, Heather (Kevin) Debelak, Ashley and Kyle Prasse and Garrett, Alyssa and Keara Prasse; a sister-in-law, Susan (Robert) Giltmier; and many nieces and nephews. 

Visitation and a memorial service were held July 7 at Shepherd of the Hills Lutheran Church, McHenry.

Arrangements were made by Justen Funeral Home and Crematory.

Memorials can be sent to the American Heart Association or Shepherd of the Hills Lutheran Church, 404 North Green St., McHenry, IL 60050.

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