August 15, 1943 – September 25, 2025
Donald John Praska, 82 of Charles City entered the pearly gates hand in hand on September 25, 2025 with the love of his life Karen.
Funeral services will be held at 10:30 am, Saturday, October 4, 2025 at Fullerton-Hage Funeral Home and Cremation Services, 401 Blunt, Charles City. Officiating will be Sister Diana Blong of Immaculate Conception Catholic Church. Visitation will be one hour prior to services at the funeral home. Interment will be in Calvary Cemetery. Those planning an expression of sympathy may wish to consider memorials to the IC School.
Don was born in Elma, Iowa on August 15, 1943 to Victor and Rose (Komarak) Praska. He graduated from St. William’s High School in Alta Vista in 1961. He was united in marriage to Karen Ann Weida on September 26, 1964 at St. Patrick’s Catholic School in LeRoy, Minnesota. Don worked 20 plus years at White Farm in the foundry. Additionally he worked at Armor & McNeilus, Retiring in 2004. He was a member of IC Catholic Church and all children went through the school, allowing his wife to be a stay to home mom and raise the five rowdy kids. Solace, nature, guns, NASCAR, and the Minnesota Vikings were some of his favorite things. He was a greaser and restored and repaired may motorcycles, boats, snowmobiles and working on cars. He even was a drag racer. He enjoyed watching the old westerns, and listening to the music of the time, especially Johnny Cash, and Merle Haggard. He was a classic car enthusiast especially the 57 Chevy’s. To relax there was nothing better than a good steak and whiskey on the side. He loved a good conversation, friendship and to laugh. He was a great teacher, and had patience with his wife and children who he dearly loved. He was a procrastinator and didn’t sweat the small stuff.
Don is survived by his five children, Konnie (Praska) Biro, Paducah, KY, Donald Jr., 29 Palms, CA, Darrin Praska Chandler, AZ, Kristie Tegtmeier, Jacksonville, NC, Korrie Luna, Waterloo, eight grandchildren Ryan, DJ, Jessica, Kourtney, Kassandra, Darian, Derek, Skyler. Family would especially like to thank the following families, McGuire, Knecht, Tegtmeier, Eme Praska, Karolyn White for their continued support and love.
Preceding Don in death are his parents, granddaughter Drew Luna, and sister Jane Pitzen.
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