Ronald David Prochazka

Ronald David Prochazka (aka Pro) passed away on March 12, 2014 at home in the arms of his wife, Kathy of 34 years and friend for 10 years beforehand.
Ron was born on October 15, 1941 in Little Rock, Arkansas, the first son of Dr. Otto and Susan (Furlong) Prochazka.

Ron grew up in Liberal, Kansas where he attended school from kindergarten until graduation from Liberal High School in 1959. Ron loved growing up in this small city, had many friends, and loved to play sports, especially football. Ron has been described by friends and family to be rather "ornery" at times.
Ron then completed his freshman year at St. Benedict's college in Atchison, Kansas where he missed the co-ed environment. So he joined the U.S. Navy, working in photo reconnaissance, spending the majority of his time in Guam, the Philippines, Japan and San Diego, CA. He received an honorable discharge in July of 1964.

In the fall, Ron began his sophomore year at Kansas State University in Manhattan and graduated with a degree in Business Administration in 1967. He thoroughly enjoyed attending KSU, a co-ed university, where he also met people with whom he remained friends.

After being employed in several positions, the last in management with Kroger Foods in Chicago, Ill, Ron made the decision to attend Washburn University Law School in Topeka, Kansas graduating in 1973 receiving admission to practice law in the State of Kansas in April 1974.

While attending law school Ron met many new friends, including his wife to be, Kathy. He had lots of fun and really liked living in Topeka, so he decided to remain here. Ron and Kathy secretly went to Las Vegas and were married on March 5, 1980. They quietly celebrated their 34th anniversary a week before his death.

Ron retired from his position of Chief of Relocation in the Bureau of Right Away with the State of Kansas in September of 2009. Ron loved sports especially football and college basketball. He always rooted for his K-State Wildcats. He is missing March madness this year, but friends and family will be watching for him. Ron loved horseraces too and has been known to be an ace at poker. Ron and Kathy also enjoyed traveling having gone to Europe on two fairly lengthy trips and traveling throughout the United States. Together they loved going to art and other types of museums both overseas and in the states, plus visiting historical and/or ancient sites. Kathy sometimes was worn out when Ron insisted on visiting another art museum which may surprise some of you!! Ron and Kathy took several cruises, the last being a Hawaiian Island cruise where they celebrated their anniversary in 2013. Ron was an avid reader and anyone that knew him well knows how much he liked that TV. Ron loved hanging with his friends and as a friend and former high school classmate recently said, "Ron was one of those guys that once you meet him you never forgot him."

Ron was preceded in death by his parents and sister, Carole. He leaves to cherish his memory his wife Kathy, brother Phil (Marie), Wichita, KS, brother Tom (Teddy), Moose Pass, AK, sister Anne (Bob) Dennis, Denver, CO., sister Zuki, Denver, CO. and his Mother-In-Law and friend, Margery Adeana McClacherty, Topeka, KS. Ron, also, leaves behind a stepson, Kyle (Linnet) Anders, 5 step-grandchildren, and 2 step-great grandchildren. Ron loved Kyle and his grandchildren as though they were his very own.

Per Ron's wishes, he will be cremated. At 1:00 p.m., on Saturday, March 29, 2014, a celebration of his life will take place at Dove Cremation and Funeral Service. At 3:00 p.m. a "wake" will take place at the Lazy Toad Sports Bar at 5331 SW 22nd Pl. (located at the back of Fairlawn Mall at 21st and Fairlawn). Rather than flowers, memorial contributions would be appreciated made to Ron's favorite charity, the Special Olympics Kansas Northeast Area, 103 S. 4th St. Manhattan, KS 66502 and/or the Topeka Rescue Mission, P.O. Box 8350 Topeka, KS 66608-0350.