Frank J. Proske, 97, of Blue Grass, IA, passed away at his daughter's home in Washington, IL, on Sunday, January 15, 2023.

He was born August 13, 1925 in Davenport, IA to the late Frank and Ella Mueller Proske. He married Loretta Verschoore on January 27, 1968 at St. Ambrose Church in Milan, IL.

Surviving is his wife, Loretta; their children Frank, Jr. and Joseph, both of Blue Grass, and Rita (Steve) Mourisse of Washington; grandchildren, Francie and David; siblings Ruth Pitts, Marge (Keith) Lilienthal, and Joan (Dale)Lilienthal; sisters-in-law, Barbara Verschoore, and Shirley Verschoore; and many cousins, nieces, nephews, and lifelong friends who were like family to Frank.

He was also preceded in death by two siblings, Walter Proske and Ella Ehrecke; and brothers-in-law, Kenneth Ehrecke, Robert Pitts, Thomas Verschoore, and Charles Verschoore.

Frank graduated Buffalo High School and was drafted into the Navy in 1944. He served in the South Pacific on the USS LSM-99 as a radarman 3rd class. After the war, he attended Iowa State University

before returning home to dairy farm with his dad and brother. He continued farming throughout his life, working alongside his sons and employees who became family.

Frank enjoyed traveling with his family, ballroom dancing, golfing, playing cards, and keeping up with current events through reading and watching the news. He also enjoyed his wife's homecooked meals and having company visit. In his final years, Frank loved watching his grandchildren grow and experiencing their modern-day world. He was a founding member of St. Andrew Catholic Church and a longtime member of American Legion Post 711.

A memorial Mass will be held at 11:00am Saturday, February 11, 2023 at St. Andrew Catholic Church. Military honors will be rendered at the conclusion of the Mass and family will receive guests afterwards at the parish hall. All family and friends are invited to attend the Mass and/or luncheon from 12:00 -2:30pm. Cremation rites have been accorded and inurnment will be at Rose Hill Cemetery in Buffalo, IA at a later date.

In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to American Legion Post 711 or St. Andrew Catholic Church.