Joseph L. Pranke, 80, De Pere, passed away on Sunday, September 20, 2015. He was born on April 24, 1935 to the late Leo and Ella Pranke. Joe is a graduate of Abott Pennings High School where he enjoyed playing basketball, football and tennis, even receiving an Athlete of the Year award. He served his country in the United States Army from 1954 until 1956. After leaving the service he enrolled at St. Norbert College, graduating in 1960 and in 1966 earned his Master’s Degree in Science at Fisk University in Tennessee. On August 13, 1960 he married the love of his life Patricia Van Den Busch at St. Francis Cathedral in Green Bay and they shared 54 wonderful years together before Pat preceded him in death on May 21, 2015. His teaching career started at Manitowoc Lincoln and he later taught at Lombardi Middle School in Green Bay until his retirement in 1994. He loved spending time taking care of his yard and pool and looked forward to his daily 4 mile walks, rain or shine. The fine woodwork in his house was evident of his skill as a woodworker.
Surviving Joe is his son, Joe, Jr; his granddaughter and the apple of his eye, Crystal; great-grandson Gabriel; a sister, Joan Steckart; sisters-in-law, Jackie (David) Roffers and Rose Pranke; numerous nieces, nephews, other family and friends.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his loving wife, Pat; sisters: Faith (Len) Johnsen, Hope Pranke (who died at the age of 6) and Jeanie (Jack) Lambert; his brother Bill Pranke, brothers-in-law, Damian (Murial) Van Den Busch and John R. Steckart; mother-in-law and father-in-law Emil (Sally) Van Den Busch.
Family and friends may visit at St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church, 220 S. Michigan St., De Pere, on Thursday, September 24, 2015 from 11:00am until the hour of Mass at 12 noon, with the Rev. Richard Getchel officiating. A luncheon will follow the service. Private inurnment at Mt. Olivet Cemetery. Cotter Funeral Home and Crematory is assisting the family.