Myrtle Margaret Prchal

Myrtle Margaret (Kvitek) Prchal died on October 29, 2023 at Bethany on the Lake in Alexandria, MN. Myrtle was born February 8th, 1922 to Robert H Kvitek and Elvina (Moe) Kvitek with the help of a midwife at Grandfather Peter Moe’s farm home in Minnewaska Township, Pope County.

Myrtle started school at the age of 7 years in a one-room school house in Minnewaska Township that she attended through the 4th grade. Then, continuing in a one-room school in Leven Township through the 6th grade. From 7th grade through high school, she attended Glenwood Public Schools, where she graduated with the class of 1940,  one of 83 who would remain life-long friends.  In school, Myrtle also worked at the Greene Leaf Café and Potter’s Dime Store.

In 1941, Myrtle married Ernest Prchal at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Glenwood, their entire life was spent on a farm in Lake Mary township, Douglas County.  In 1945, their son Dale was born and in 1950 they welcomed their daughter Judy.

When the children were in school, Myrtle worked out of the home in Alexandria, first at Hakes Variety, then Woolworths, J.C. Penney's, and Land O’Lakes, then back to the office at J.C. Penney's.  Retiring from Penney’s after over 20 years.

Ernest and Myrtle worked hard on the farm -- harvesting, shocking grain, threshing, and all the other farm jobs.  Myrtle also always had a big garden, in the fall preserving all the vegetables and fruit and making sauerkraut.  She liked baking -- especially bread, kolaches (they were delicious), pies, and lefsa. She was always ready to have company.

When on the farm, the Prchals belonged to the Reno Catholic Church, in Lowry, MN. Myrtle was president of the Guild, belonged to a Mission Group, participated in the choir, and was a member of the Christian Mothers.

When Ernest passed away in 1984, Myrtle remained on the farm for two years before moving to Lakeridge Townhomes in Alexandria, and later to Westbrook Townhomes also in Alexandria.  During this time, Myrtle belonged to St. Mary’s in Alexandria.  She also joined Forada Seniors, enjoying cards and pot lucks.  Myrtle also enjoyed many lunches with the Woolworth Girls, Newspaper Girls, and her other retired friends from J.C. Penney.  

Ernest and Myrtle enjoyed dancing, going to the Lakeside weekly alongside other friends, and fishing -- both in the winter and summer. Myrtle enjoyed very much when her children, grandchildren, and great-grandkids came to visit and stay a few days.  The kids especially loved the farm.

In her later years, Myrtle enjoyed reading, doing word search puzzles, and always had time for her daily Rosary. Myrtle passed away peacefully on Sunday, October 29, 2023 at her home in Bethany on the Lake; she was 101 years old.

Myrtle is preceded in death by her husband, Ernest; son, Dale Prchal; parents, Robert and Elvina Kvitek; sisters: Leona Tvrdik and Ruby Kellermann; brothers: Raynold and Robert Jr "Bobby" Kvitek, and infant baby brother Kvitek; nieces, nephews, and many other relative and friends. Left to cherish Myrtle's memory are her daughter, Judy Lee (Alan), grandchildren: Jennifer McAlpin (Marty), Chad Lee (Michelle); great-grandchildren: Madeline Ricci (Will), Brock Sullivan, Caden Lee and Paxton Lee; sister-in-law, Roxann Kvitek; and many nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

A Funeral Mass will be held Wednesday, November 8, 2023 at St. John Nepomuk Catholic Church at 11:00 AM with Father Joe Vandeberg officiating. Visitation will take place at Anderson Funeral Home in Alexandria on Tuesday, November 7, 2023 from 4:00-7:00 PM with the Rosary starting at 6:00 PM, followed by a time for sharing. Visitation will continue one hour prior to services at the church on Wednesday.

Anderson Funeral Home in Alexandria is in charge of arrangements for Myrtle.