Gerald "Jerry" D. Prosek, 87, Pulaski, passed away Thursday, May 16, 2024, at Country Villa Assisted Living in Pulaski. The son of Leonard and Lucille (Meyer) was born on September 3, 1936, in Ironwood, Michigan.

Jerry grew up in Hurley and was a 1954 graduate of Hurley High School. Following graduation, he enlisted in the US Airforce and served until his honorable discharge on August 29, 1958. On February 3, 1963, he married Shirley Grandelis.

Jerry attended college for two years in Ironwood before spending two years at Northland College in Ashland, where he earned a teaching degree in elementary education. The couple moved to Pulaski in 1963, where he started his teaching career at Fairview Elementary, eventually becoming principal and then became principal at Sunnyside Elementary. He held that position until his retirement in 1993. Following retirement, Jerry continued substitute teaching until 2006.

Jerry enjoyed fishing on the pontoon boat at the cottage in Pickerel, especially with his children and grandchildren.  The boat was meant for only one thing and that was fishing!  Jerry's biggest catch was Shirley and their hands have been entwined for 61 years.  He loved watching sports, especially the Packers with family and grandkids.  Polka Days was always a special time for him to be out enjoying the community with family and friends as well. He served on the Pulaski Area Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors, the Board of Directors for the Tri-County Community Corporation (now the Pulaski United Foundation) for 35 years, the PACE Board of Directors, and as the Secretary and President for St. John's Lutheran Church in Pulaski.

Survivors include his loving wife of over 61 years, Shirley; children: Gary (Katie) Prosek, Suzy (James) Johanski, Lynne (John) Crubaugh, Brenda (John) Liss, Michael (Debi) Prosek, and Gregory "Butch" Prosek; grandchildren: Elizabeth Crubaugh, Johnny Crubaugh, Dr. Timmy (Stella) Prosek, Danielle (Sarah) Hamill, Colleen Prosek, Paige Prosek, Kailey Prosek, Graci Prosek, Beau Hillier, Anthony Hillier, Emily Hillier, Matt Johanski, and Luke Johanski. He is further survived by three great-grandchildren; sisters-in-law: Bernie Prosek, Mary Lou Stone, and Lois (Geno) Kaari; a special cousin, Art (Carol) Prosek; and many nieces, nephews, and other family members.

In addition to his parents, Leonard and Lucille, he was preceded in death by his father-in-law and mother-in-law, Humbert and Esther Landretti; brothers: Donald Prosek and James Prosek; a grandson, Neal Prosek; sister-in-law, Dorothy Valentino; and a brother-in-law, Frank "Vass" Valentino.

Friends are invited to gather at St. John's Lutheran Church, 910 S. St. Augustine St., Pulaski, on Monday, May 20, from 4-7 p.m. Visitation will continue at the church on Tuesday from 9-11 a.m. The Funeral Service will be celebrated at 11 a.m. with Pastor Larry Yaw officiating.  Burial with military honors rendered by the Pulaski Area Veterans will follow at Assumption B.V.M. Cemetery.

The Funeral Service will be livestreamed and can be found on the church web page – stjohnpulaskiwi.org

The family would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to the staff at County Villa Assisted Living and to the St. Croix Hospice Team for the wonderful care given to Jerry.

Online condolences may be offered to the Prosek family at www.marnochafunrealhome.com or on the funeral home Facebook page.