Paul E. Prohaska

Paul E. Prohaska, 65, of Rockford, IL passed away peacefully on November 5, 2021 after a sudden and brief illness.

Paul was born July 20, 1956 in Peoria, IL to Ralph E. Prohaska and Martha M. (née Kluever). Paul’s childhood was spent between Bethesda, MD and Peoria, IL where he attended Wyngate and Northmoor Elementary Schools. He attended Richwoods High School in Peoria, where he was involved in running cross country, playing baseball, working the school newspaper, and founding the model railroading club. After graduating high school in 1974, Paul attended the University of Illinois in Urbana/Champaign where he was a member of the Sigma Phi Epsilon fraternity. It was while attending U of I that Paul met the love of his life, Sharon. After graduating with a Bachelor of Science in Finance in 1978, he began working as an insurance adjuster in the Chicago area, eventually working for Pekin Insurance in Loves Park, IL. Paul and Sharon were married May 9, 1981 at Holy Family Church in Rockford, IL where they settled and raised their children, Graham and Kathleen. After leaving the insurance industry, Paul worked for many years at Menards in Machesney Park, IL, but it wasn’t until 2014 that he began working his dream job with Invisible Fence Brand of Northwestern Illinois. Paul found great joy and rewards in this field, where he got to travel and bring his Newfoundland dog, Gus, with him to work most days. Paul also volunteered as much of his free time as possible, acting as a leader and Scoutmaster for many years for Boy Scout Troop 139 at Holy Family Church; piloting the Reading Dog program for Cherry Valley Library and Ledgewood Elementary School in Roscoe, IL; volunteering as a therapy dog handler at Easter Seals in Rockford, IL; and spending 15 years as the Building Manager at Forest City Dog Training Club. Paul was passionate about all of his hobbies, which included model railroading and train watching, teaching obedience and therapy dog classes, and most of all, living his life as a die-hard Chicago Cubs and Blackhawks fan.

Paul is survived by his wife, Sharon (née Grantges); son Graham E. Prohaska (Connie) of Machesney Park, IL; daughter Kathleen L. Podraza (Jason) of Machesney Park, IL; grandchildren Calise M. Prohaska, Garrett E. Prohaska; mother Martha M. Prohaska of St. Cloud, FL; sister Phyllis M. Rallis (Robert) of St. Cloud, FL; and family pets Gus the Newfoundland and Rudy the Golden Retriever.

In accordance with his requests, there will be a private ceremony Friday, November 12. The family invites all friends, coworkers, and acquaintances to a celebration of Paul’s life which will be held on Friday, November 19, 2021 from 3-7pm at Forest City Dog Training Club, 6203 Material Avenue #8, Loves Park, IL 61111.

Flowers may be sent to Fitzgerald Funeral Home, 1860 S. Mulford Rd, Rockford, IL 61108. Memorials can be made to the National Newfoundland Rescue NCA Charitable Trust c/o Mary Price 1004 State RD 78, Mt. Horeb, WI, 53572, or through their website https://www.ncacharities.org/donate.html.