Mark Pronek

My brother, Mark John Pronek was born the youngest of our family on 2-6-62.  He was welcomed home to heaven by his friend, Jesus along with our parents-Charlie and Helen (Mrnak-Hanson) Pronek, and his brother Wencil on August 6, 2020. Mark will know a lot of family and friends on the other side. Mom always told the story of the Dr. diagnosing Mark with Downs syndrome, he guessed his life expectancy to be early teen years, I guess Mark disproved the theory living to be 58 years 6 months.

Most of Mark’s life was spent south of Alexandria on the family farm near Maple Lake.  He went to School in Alexandria and accepted his graduation certificate from his friend John Knowles the spring of 1983.

Markie was always a helper and liked to work.  On the farm there isn’t a shortage of tasks to accomplish, but he especially liked the hay season as it was a joint effort with our cousins; Frank, Irene and the girls next door.  Mark could be counted on to hold the hitch to be connected to the tractor.  Routine was his friend, and you could be assured that if it was Saturday he had the mission of cleaning his room.  Other prized tasks he enjoyed, if you can believe it, was washing windows and detailing the vehicle.  Sundays Mark enjoyed going to church, not always the same one so he had a wide circle of friends to greet during his visits.

Alexandria Occupational Center was where Mark worked for 15 years, he was awarded “employee of the month” several times.  It was his home away from home, he loved the staff and fellow workers equally.  His favorite day was PAYDAY!

Our special boy had a loving happy heart.  He gave great hugs to anyone who would let him, social distancing is difficult for people like us.  Mark was kindhearted and polite, he enjoyed meeting new people.  Dancing, playing cards, jenga and bingo all made him happy.  Mark had a knack for remembering birthdays.

Pinehouse, in Alexandria was his home since moving in full time in 2009.  He will be missed by his house mates; Ron, Arnold, Karlin, his house mother LuAnn Bullock.  The entire staff of PCS was kind and good to both Mark and I.  God bless you in your important mission, thank you.

He will be missed by his family.  Gary B. Hanson and wife Kathy.  Monica Pronek, Myself and John Stellner.  His 6 nieces and 1 nephew, Jody Norris, Becky (Brian) Bogart, Tessa (Ryan) Spencer, Kayla (Joe) Conrad, Jenna (Scott) Nosbush Cassie Pawlicki and Brian Hanson.  Their children:  Justin, Matt, Ian, Gannon, Charlie, Cooper, Parker, JR, Dantae and Mila Marie. The Great niece count is 1, Great nephew count 9.   Two Aunties, Lorraine Mrnak, Mary Pehan many cousins.  Family was important to Mark.

In lieu of flowers, a random act of kindness would be a perfect memorial to honor Mark.  Or plant a tree and call it Mr. Mark.  A memorial to Luther Crest or St John Nepomuk cemetery would be awesome.

My brother taught me more than I taught him, he shaped the person I became as I learned compassion and patience from him.  How do you thank someone for that? Until we meet again, with love- I sign off as your “favorite” sister,

Marie xxoo

Graveside service will be held on Friday, August 14, 2020, 10:30 a.m. at St. John’s Nepomuk Cemetery Reno Township where he will be laid to rest next to his mom and dad.  Visitation will be held on Friday, August 14th, 2020, 9:00 – 10:00 a.m. at Anderson Funeral Home.