Willard A. Prahl

Willard Prahl, age 80, passed away at his home in Appleton on Friday morning, September 2, 2011. His wife and children were at his side. Willard was born October 18, 1930 in Cecil, son of the late William and Selma (Kosbab) Prahl. During the Korean Conflict, Willard served in the United States Navy for seven years, and later became a Life Member of the Johnston – Blessman Post #38 of the American Legion. Following his discharge from the Navy, he married the former Gladys Spreeman in Bonduel on July 21, 1956. This summer, the couple had celebrated fifty-five years together. For many years, Willard worked for the city of Appleton and retired in 1993. He enjoyed bowling, fishing, hunting, and watching sports on television. In his retirement years, a TV remote and a word search book were never too far away. Willard was a loving husband, father, and grandfather. He loved to spend time with his family and was always grateful for his wonderful neighbors whose visits and concern he always appreciated.

Willard will be missed by his wife: Gladys Prahl of Appleton; three children: Debra (Richard) Ragen of Appleton; Tony (Sally) Prahl of Kennesaw, Georgia; and Todd (Christina) Prahl of Shiocton. There are seven grandchildren: Nicole Ragen, Robyn Ragen, Allison Prahl, Patrick Prahl, Denis (Meghan) Prahl, Todd Prahl, Jr. and his special friend Melissa, and Chelsea Prahl; three brothers: Leonard (Marcella) Prahl of Shawano, Jake (Charlotte) Prahl of Appleton, and Charles Prahl of Arizona; a sister: Delores Berkhahn of Cecil; a brother-in-law: Harvey (Karla) Spreeman of Pulaski; two sisters-in-law: Luella Stoltenow of Cecil and Linda Spreeman of Cecil; as well as many nieces, nephews, other relatives, friends, and many dear neighbors. He was preceded in death by his parents: William and Selma Prahl; three brothers-in-law: George Berkhahn, Floyd Spreeman, and Eugene Stoltenow; and a sister-in-law: Audrey Prahl.

The Christian Funeral for Willard will be held at 11:00 AM on Tuesday, September 6, 2011 at GRACE LUTHERAN CHURCH, 900 N. Mason Street in Appleton, with Rev. Judy Deckert officiating. Interment will be in Highland Memorial Park with full military honors. Friends may call directly at the church on Tuesday morning from 9:00 AM until the time of the services. In lieu of flowers, a memorial fund is being established for Grace Lutheran Church or American Legion Baseball.

The family would like to offer their sincere thanks to everyone at ThedaCare At Home Hospice for the love, care and compassion they offered to Willard and his family. Your kindness will never be forgotten.

Wichmann Funeral Home
537 N. Superior Street
Appleton, WI 54911
920-739-1231