Gary Dean Prasek

Gary Dean Prasek, 77, of Vermillion SD passed away on January 23, 2024, at the Sanford USD Medical Center in Sioux Falls, SD. Visitation will be on Sunday, January 28, 2024, at Hansen Funeral Home- Vermillion from 4:00-6:00PM, with a prayer service beginning at 6:00PM. 
 Funeral Mass will held at St. Agnes Catholic Church in Vermillion, on Monday, January 29, 2024 beginning at 10:30AM
 
 Gary was born on May 4,1946, in Mobridge, SD. He graduated from Pollock High School in 1964.  Following high school, he attended Southern State Teacher's College in Springfield, SD, completing his Mechanic's Certification. It was during his time there that he met the love of his life, Kathy McElroy. They married in 1966, creating a lifetime of cherished memories together. Gary began his career as a lineman at Cherry-Todd Electric in Mission, SD. His hard work and dedication led him to relocate to Vermillion in 1970 to join the Clay-Union Electric Cooperative. He tirelessly served the company for many years before retiring in 2009. Gary's meticulous work ethic and commitment to excellence made him a highly respected individual among his peers and colleagues.

Gary will be deeply remembered for his exceptional qualities as a husband and father. He was an amazing husband who always showed unwavering love and support for his wife Kathy. Together, they built a life filled with love and happiness and after retirement, Gary and Kathy packed up their pick-up and camper and traveled wherever they wanted, connecting every winter with their snow-bird friends and family in Arizona.

As a father, Gary's devotion knew no bounds. He provided unconditional love and guidance to his children through every stage of their lives. His children fondly remember him as a genuinely kind man who prioritized their happiness above all else. He found joy in helping them with almost anything from practicing for their sports, fixing their cars, teaching them to swim and taking them camping every summer.

Outside of his professional and familial responsibilities, Gary dedicated his time to coaching softball and basketball, spending most weekends traveling the kids around to tournaments. 

Gary Dean Prasek leaves behind his wife Kathy, of Vermillion, SD. Sons: Cullen Prasek (Julie), Watertown, SD, Joe Prasek (Beth), Dell Rapids, SD, and Gordon Prasek (Michelle), Jamestown, ND; Daughters: Jen Prasek (Steve Ortmeier), Sioux Falls, SD, Julie Prasek (Jacob Szymanski), St. Paul, MN and Jana Kifle (Ermias), Woodbury, MN. 
11 Grandchildren: Kayla, Mallory, Sam, Jack, Madisen, Olivia, Alexes, Charlie, Porter, Perry, and Grace, and three Great-grandchildren: Avery, Asher, and Annalee.

He was preceded in death by his father Albert, mother Bertha, his brother David, and his sister Cheryl Aldentaler. 
 
All memorials will be donated to the Vermillion Food Pantry and Wase Wakpa Community.