Helen M. Prokes, 86

Helen M. Prokes, 86, of New Prague, died on Thursday, Feb. 24, 2005, at Queen of Peace Hospital in New Prague.

Helen was born to John and Elizabeth (Kokes) Ziskovsky in Veseli on November 19, 1918, where she was raised. She attended Most Holy Trinity Catholic School in Veseli, and Immaculate Conception Catholic School in Lonsdale.

She married William R. Prokes at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Lonsdale on October 13, 1937. Helen farmed with her husband for 40 years in Rice County and was a homemaker. She retired from farming in 1973. She sang with the St. Wenceslaus Martha Choir for over 20 years.

Helen is survived by one granddaughter, Deb Bastyr, Rosemount, and special friend, Bill Lindell; one grandson, Gerald Prokes, Lakeville, and fiance, Michelle Sifferle; two great-grandchildren, Tyler Prokes and Larissa Bastyr; special friends, Joe and Marge Lexa, New Prague.

Preceding her in death were her parents; husband, on July 28, 1980; son, Donald W. Prokes; two brothers, Joseph A. and Emil Ziskovsky; one sister, Ludmilla Shimota.

Funeral services were held at 10 a.m. on Monday, Feb. 28, at St. Wenceslaus Catholic Church in New Prague. The Rev. George Freeman officiated.

Pallbearers are Ronnie Ziskovsky, Joe Lexa, Francis and Bob Nickolay, Norbert Sticha and Mike Lang.

Interment was at St. Wenceslaus Catholic Cemetery in New Prague.

Visitation was on Sunday, Feb. 27, from 4 to 8 p.m. and from 7:30 to 9:30 a.m. on Monday at the Bruzek Funeral Home in New Prague.