Martha Prochaska

Martha Prochaska, 93, of David City, died Tuesday, September 2, 2025, at Brookstone in David City.

Mass of Christian Burial Friday, September 5, 2025,  10:30 A.M.

Holy Trinity Catholic Church, Brainard  Rev. Steve Snitily, Celebrant

Rosary to be prayed at 10:00 A.M. in the church

Committal in the Holy Trinity Catholic Cemetery

Memorials in care of the family for future designation

Martha R. Bruner, born May 27, 1932, was the first of two daughters born to Frank and Josephine (Matejcek) Bruner.  She was raised on a small family farm near Brainard along with her beloved sister Georgia. Martha’s parents were a major influence on her life.  While her father was quieter and more reserved, Martha’s mother was a force with which to be reckoned. Among her mother's requirements was that Czech (and only Czech) be spoken at home. Thus, Martha only learned English when she went to school and she retained (and used) spoken Czech throughout her life. Although Martha often claimed to take after her mother, Czech was only used by Martha (and her parents) to speak around Martha's children who were raised solely in English.

While growing up, Martha enjoyed music and played the piano accordion and sang in chorus. She also enjoyed English classes.  Martha loved spending time outdoors and much of her youth was dedicated to helping on the family farm. Whether it was feeding the chickens and ducks, or gathering eggs, there was always something to do on the farm. Martha often spoke fondly of her simple life on the farm, living before electricity and how all manual labor was performed by hand.

Martha graduated from high school and met and married her husband, William “Bill” Prochaska.  Martha and Bill married in Holy Trinity Catholic Church on August 8, 1951, after only a few months of courtship. Although the bulk of their lives together was spent living in the village of Brainard, they built their life as farmers.  Bill and Martha had and raised four children. A devout Catholic, Martha’s life centered around her faith, her family, and hard work on the farm and at her home in town. Martha took pride in being a devoted mother to her four children and a loving grandmother to her seven grandchildren. She was an advocate for Catholic education and a very active member of Holy Trinity Parish throughout her lifetime. She sang in the choir, was active in the PCCW, cleaned, baked, cooked and did whatever task requested of her by the parish priest.

Martha lived by example and did her best to instill into her children and grandchildren the core values that she embraced: kindness, resilience, and hard work.  Guided by her faith, with an infinite love for her family, Martha strived to do the right thing, no matter what, and regardless of what anyone else thought.  She shared her quick wit, commitment to service, and kindness as often as she possibly could. Martha was resilient and determined to make the best of whatever situation she encountered; she consistently showed love and put the needs of others before her own. She will live on in the hearts of many.