Edward Prohaska

Edward Prohaska, age 94, of Rothschild, Wisconsin, passed away peacefully on Monday, November 17, 2025, at Aspirus Wausau Hospital.

Ed, the son of Frank and Rose (Kucuba) Prohaska, was born on February 13, 1931, in Chicago, Illinois. His family then moved to Phillips, Wisconsin, to make their home, where he graduated from Phillips High School in 1949.

Upon graduation, Ed and a friend moved out West to work on several large ranches before joining the Army in 1950. After serving two years, Ed was honorably discharged and then attended the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point. It was here that he received his Bachelor of Science degree in Biology and Conservation.

While enjoying a nice night out at a polka dance, Ed met the love of his life, Dolores Omernik. Ed and Dolores were married at St. Joseph Church in Stevens Point, Wisconsin, in August of 1956, and then moved to Rothschild, Wisconsin, to start their wonderful family.

In 1956, Ed started his career as a high school science teacher at D.C. Everest Senior High School. While teaching, Ed received the National Science Scholarship to Purdue University, where he pursued and earned his Master’s degree in Biology and Anatomy. Ed taught at D.C. Everest Senior High School for 21 years.

During his summers, Ed established the Pineview Nursery and Landscaping, which he eventually took on as his full-time career. Ed also acquired numerous Christmas tree plantations, which involved his entire family.

Throughout their many years together, Ed and Dolores enjoyed time together while traveling across the globe (Italy, Ireland, New Zealand, Australia, Alaska), embarking on numerous cruises, and visiting family in Hawaii. Among his travels, Ed went on two mission trips to the Czech Republic, where he shared his many landscaping talents with the locals.

Aside from his travels, Ed enjoyed his many ice fishing and bird hunting trips. He spent many hours watching the wide variety of wildlife in the backyard of his home and the spectacular sunsets from his deck. Ed was also a dedicated member of the Rothschild Lions Club for over 60 years, where he was an instrumental part in the building of the Honors Memorial Garden located at the Lions Camp in Rosholt, Wisconsin.

One of Ed’s proudest achievements was the purchase and restoration of the Thirsty Whale, located in Minocqua, Wisconsin, in 1985, where his favorite times were spent talking to new and old friends.

Ed is survived by his loving and wife of 69 years, Dolores; his children, Denise (Nick) Krajewski, Danette (Mike) Gilbertson, Deanne (Jay) Kidd, Dana (Lowell) Bostrom, and Dean Prohaska; brothers, Rudy Prohaska, Donald (Nancy) Prohaska, and Daniel (Mary) Prohaska; grandchildren, Dane (Hailey) Krajewski, Ty (Carol) Krajewski, Luke Gilbertson & Sarah, Shannon Feltz, Jarett (Melissa) Gilbertson, Jason (Alexa) Kidd, Shane Kidd, Paige (Maxx) Von Kuedells, Ani Bostrom, Walker McMullin & Ashley, Alex (Rylie) Prohaska, and Madelyn (Jacob) Juedes; and great-grandchildren, Alyce & Margret Feltz, Gavin Gilbertson, Carter, Keene, Koa & Cruz Krajewski, Cova Kidd, and Jackson & Wesley Juedes.

Ed is preceded in death by his parents, Frank and Rose Prohaska; and siblings, Marge, Robert, and Ervin.

A Memorial Service in Ed’s honor will be held on Saturday, December 27, 2025, at 12:00 Noon at Ascend Funeral Home & Cremation Care, 2809 Jelinek Ave. Weston, Wisconsin, with Pastor Lance Hoelscher officiating. Visitation will be held from 10:00 AM until the time of service at Ascend Funeral Home. Ed will be laid to rest at Gate of Heaven Cemetery at a later date. A Celebration of Ed’s Life will be held at the Thirsty Whale in Minocqua, Wisconsin, on January 3, 2026, from 3:00 – 7:00 PM.

Ascend Funeral Home & Cremation Care of Weston is assisting the family with arrangements. You may sign the family guestbook at www.ascendweston.org. Memorials may be directed to the Wisconsin Lions Foundation of Rosholt, Wisconsin, or to a charity of your choice.

“Enjoy Every Day”

- Edward Prohaska (1931-2025)