Anna Prochaska Obituary

Anna Marie Prochaska, the daughter of Albert Louis Prochaska and Pauline Lorraine (Zeman) Prochaska, was born July 6, 1950 in Cresco, Iowa. Anne was raised on the family farm with her brothers, Joey and David, and her two sisters, Kathleen and Irma. Following graduation from Crestwood High School in 1968, she attended North Iowa Community College in Calmar.


Anne began her career working at Meredith Corporation in several departments, and eventually found her way to Whitfield Law Firm where she retired in 2012. She was a skilled wordsmith, a master typist, and worked for many prestigious clients. On special occasions, her nieces and nephews would visit her office downtown and enjoy lunch at Younkers Tea Room.


Family was everything to Anne. She welcomed the arrival of each of her nieces and nephews (and eventually their children) with joy and love, assigning them their own nicknames, planning sleepovers and lunch dates, and always stopping by with a treat and a hug. Her home was a place of hospitality and beauty, full of laughter and chic flair. She was an extraordinary hostess, and was known for throwing legendary parties that delighted guests young and old. Her annual Christmas Eve event was a magical affair full of treats, delicious hors d'oeuvres, and exquisitely wrapped gifts tucked under her tree fully adorned with exotic ornaments. Anne never did anything halfway.


Her hospitality was a reflection of her generous nature and also the outworking of her faith. In her late twenties, Anne encountered Jesus Christ and her life shifted to the worship and faithful service of the God she loved. She was often vocally overwhelmed by her salvation by grace and her affections for Christ filled every corner of her life. As a long time member of Des Moines Fellowship Church, Anne was known for her warmth and willingness to take even the newest guest out to lunch.


Anne loved to travel with members of her family and enjoyed sampling new restaurants and antique shopping with her sister, Kathy. She loved watching Westerns, classic films, and looked forward to playing Bingo every year at the Beaverdale Fall Festival. After a traumatic car accident in 2013, Anne fought through surgeries and physical therapy, but lived with chronic pain that limited her mobility. Though she wrestled with physical limitations and seasons of depression, Anne was ever cheered by her friends and relatives, calling members of her family regularly and providing meals in her home whenever someone visited. She had the unique ability to listen carefully, celebrate the joys of others, and made every person she knew feel cherished and special.


Anne entered the arms of Jesus on Tuesday, January 24, 2023. She is in the presence of perfect love and her family rejoices that she is whole and happy with her Savior. Dearest Anne, we praise God for the gift of your life that touched and blessed so many. You will be missed beyond words and your beloved memory cherished by us all.

Anne was preceded in death by her parents; and brother, Joseph. She is lovingly remembered by her sister-in-law, Janice Prochaska; sister, Kathy (Jerry) Chance; sister, Irma (Tim) Kelly; brother, David (Patti) Prochaska; 15 nieces and nephews; and many great and great-great nieces and nephews.


Memorial contributions may be given to Des Moines Fellowship Church.

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