Clarence "Clancy" F. Prokop

Clarence “Clancy” Francis Prokop, 92, of St. Croix Falls passed away on Sunday, April 17, 2016 with his family by his side.

Clancy was born June 7, 1923, in Milwaukee, WI to Frances and Jerry Prokop.

As an infant he lived in Milwaukee and later moved to Cicero, IL.  Due to the Depression, at the age of 9, he and his parents moved to a farm on Bone Lake, Wisconsin, where they farmed, logged and built resort cottages.

After graduating from Milltown High School, he met the love of his life, Esther Edith Kamholz at the Eat Shop in Luck.

January, 1943, he entered the U.S. Army and served in Iraq and Iran, and was honorably discharged December 30, 1945.  He was a member of the St. Croix Falls American Legion Post # 143.  Clancy was very proud of his service for his country in WWII.

Clancy and Esther were united in marriage on May 18, 1946 at Luck Lutheran Church.  They lived in Minneapolis and later moved to Bone Lake farm to help out Clancy’s ailing father.

In 1952 they purchased the 120 acre “Tip Top Farm” near Centuria.  In 1962 they sold the farm animals and obtained jobs in the Twin Cities.  Clancy worked as a Paint Technician at Control Data Corporation until his retirement in 1985.

In 1972 they sold the farm and built their home in St. Croix Falls, enjoying time with family and friends.  They learned to square dance and were among the founding members of the “Friendly Twirlers” square dance club which is still active today. They also took ballroom and round dance lessons with Clancy calling and teaching them as well.   Their love of dancing brought them to many national dance conventions.

Upon retirement in 1985 they decided to make Mission, Texas their “Winter Home”.    In 2002 they sold their Texas home.  In May, 2013, Esther passed away.  Clancy continued to live their St. Croix Falls home until his time of death.

Clancy enjoyed many hobbies including HO Scale Model Railroads, acrylic painting, wood carving, flower gardening, playing accordion, keyboard, traveling, camping, and sailing. He also enjoyed spending time with his grand children and great grand children and attending their activities.  Many were amazed by his keen memory and intellectual interest in Geography, World War II History, Chicago History and Family Genealogy.  This past year he was proud to be able to resume his love of dancing, teaching a special friend to dance and attending weekly Old Time Dances.

Clancy will be dearly missed by his children:  Jerry (Stella) Prokop, Centuria; James (Jenny) Prokop, Superior; Judy (Don) Wolf, Eau Claire; Janise (Dale) Skow, Milltown;  grandchildren; Jason (Anne) Prokop;  Nathan (Cindy) Prokop; Jamie Booth; Brian (Denisa Xhani) Prokop; Brenda Prokop; John  Wolf; Jeff (Heather) Wolf; Andrew (Kelsey) Wolf; Kristan (James) Huenink; Kayla (Jared) Woody, and twelve great-grandchildren.

Clancy is also survived by sister-in-law Doris Martinson, nieces, nephews, cousins, Army buddy Peter Scianna Jr., his “McDonald’s Coffee Group” and many other special friends.

Clancy was preceded in death by his wife Esther, his parents, Frances and Jerry Prokop and many special friends.

Funeral services will be held at Fristad Lutheran Church in Centuria on Friday, April 22, 2016 at 11:00 A.M.  Pastor Mel Raul will officiate.   Clancy’s family will greet visitors at the Kolstad Family Funeral Home from 5:00 P.M. 7:00 P.M. on Thursday, April 21, 2016 and again at the church on Friday beginning at 10:00 A.M.

Clancy will be laid to rest at the Milltown Cemetery will full military honors.  Following the cemetery services a lunch and fellowship will be held at the church.  Pallbearers will be Jason Prokop, Nathan Prokop, Andrew Wolf, Brian Prokop, Brenda Prokop and Kayla Woody.  Honorary Pallbearers will be Pete Scianna Jr., Peter Scianna and The McDonald’s Coffee Group .  The Kolstad Family Funeral Home of Centuria has been entrusted with arrangements.