Robert J. Prusa

Mass of Christian Burial for Robert J. Prusa, age 93, of Stanton, Nebraska will be 10:30 a.m. Saturday, September 7, 2024, at St. Peter’s Catholic Church in Stanton. Reverend Patrick McLaughlin will be celebrant, with interment in Stanton Cemetery.   

Visitation will be Friday from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. at the church, with a 7:00 p.m. Vigil Service. 

Home for Funerals-Stanton is in charge of arrangements.

Robert passed away Saturday, August 31, 2024, at Stanton Health Center. 

Robert John Prusa, son of Joseph and Elsie (Erychleb) Prusa, was born March 23, 1931, at the family farm south of Stanton, Nebraska. He attended Stanton Rural School District 9, graduated from Stanton High School in 1949, and also graduated Norfolk Junior College.

On August 23, 1955, Robert was united in marriage to Darlene Rose Karel at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Leigh, Nebraska. They were blessed with six children: Longin, Cheryl, John, Jim, Sandra, and Barbara.

During high school, Robert worked for Art Greenslit and also for Anton Drahota. He remained on the family farm until after graduating from college when he moved to Omaha to work there for a period of time. Robert then moved to a farm north of Leigh to begin farming. In 1961, he and Darlene and their children moved to the family farm south of Stanton. It was there that the two youngest children were born.

Robert served on the school board at District 9 Pleasant Hill School for several years. He also sold Vigortone Feeds, Archer Oil, and Lynk’s Seedcorn. Robert was very involved in his church, St. Peter’s Catholic, in Stanton, serving on the Parish Council, was a member of St. Peter’s Men’s Club, and as a trustee that was very instrumental in the planning of construction when the current church was built in 1967. He proudly served as Stanton County Commissioner District 1 from 1991 through 1994, especially enjoying serving as the representative for the county with the Area Agency on Aging in Norfolk.

Robert and Darlene stayed busy with crops and livestock but found the time to support their children in all their school activities. They also treasured supporting their grandchildren in school events, dance, summer ball, and 4-H. They were blessed to attend even some of their great-grandchildren’s events. Robert and Darlene spent countless hours on the dance floor enjoying polkas and waltzes, passing that tradition to the next generations. Robert also enjoyed playing pitch with family and friends.

They retired from the farm in 2000 and moved to Norfolk. Robert and Darlene loved the many hours devoted to volunteering at the Norfolk Senior Citizens Center. After they moved to Norfolk, they became members of Sacred Heart/St. Mary’s Catholic Church.

Robert is survived by his wife, Darlene; children, Longin (Julie) Prusa of Norfolk, Cheryl (Al) Wolverton of Stanton, John (Rhonda) Prusa of Stanton, Jim (Deb) Prusa of Effingham, Illinois, Sandra (Mike) Race of Stanton, and Barb (Doug) Kelley of Sioux Falls, South Dakota; 22 grandchildren; 35 great-grandchildren; two great-great-grandchildren; and nieces, nephews, and cousins.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Joseph and Elsie Prusa; brother, Joe (Georgeann) Prusa; twin brother, Richard Prusa; and in-laws, Milo Karel, Longin and Dorothy Karel, and Shirley and Alvin Stodola.

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