Henry Jerome Pratka

Lifetime Prague resident, Henry Jerome Pratka, passed away on July 17, 2019 in Prague, Oklahoma at the age of 91. Henry was born on March 3, 1928 in Prague, Oklahoma. He was the son of Czech parents, Jerome and Christine (Studler) Pratka. Henry lived a long, full and loving life. Henry was known for living by the Golden Rule, he always thought of others before himself, he dedicated his life to God, family, church, country and community. He leaves behind a legacy of caring and will be missed by many. Henry graduated from Prague High School with the Class of 1946. He began his career at Kahanek’s grocery store in 1944. He started working as a sacker and later became the stores butcher. He retired from working full time at the store in 1990 after 46 years. Following his retirement from full time work, Henry continued to work part time for 7 more years until he fully retired in 1997. Henry was drafted into the United States Marine Corp. In 1952. He served at Cherry Point, North Carolina until his honorable discharge in 1954. Henry was proud of his country and proud of those who served. He was an avid supporter and leader in the American Legion Post 11. He was the Post Commander and held all other offices in the 65 years he was a member. He worked diligently to serve veterans in our areas and to honor those who served. He placed flags on Veterans graves for Memorial Day, provided gun salutes during Veterans and many other activities. On April 23, 1950, Henry married the love of his life, Shirlene Atyia. The two were happily married for 69 years. They were the first couple to be married in the new church at St. Wenceslaus Catholic Church in Prague. The two were always together, Shirlene stayed at Henry’s side even when he was drafted and she went to live in North Carolina. She also served alongside him during his service to the American Legion. She was just as active as he was in honoring those who served. Henry, along with Shirlene, was also a dedicated and proud resident of Prague. He was proud of his and Prague’s Czech heritage. He loved to Polka and to dance during the festivals. The two often lead and taught Beseda Dancing. They were constanly promoting the Festival and the City of Prague to anyone who would listen. The two were honored to serve as Grand Marshalls for the 2006 Kolache Festival Parade. The two were recognized for promoting and dancing the Czech Beseda at the festival. Henry and Shirlene also had an annual tradition of traveling to Dallas for the Oklahoma vs Texas football game. The two would drive down and meet Shirlene’s sister, Zekeah and Dale Pease. When Henry was not working, promoting Prague or attending American Legion events, you would probably find him fishing. He was a skilled fisherman and enjoyed being on or near the water. Henry had a second residence at Okemah Lake, where he enjoyed fishing, hosting fish fries and having a good time on his big pontoon boat. Henry was preceded in death by his parents; grandson, Kelly Maggard; brother, Johnny Pratka and sister, Mary Brezny. Henry is survived by his wife of 69 years, Shirlene (Atyia) Pratka; daughter Sharon Maggard and husband Rick of Prague; daughter Debbie Lokey and husband Doug of Prague; Grandaughter, Michelle Smith and husband Jeaux of Edmond; great-grandaughter, Marleigh Kay Smith of Edmond; Sisters, Lillie Bartos, Agnes Pratka, Aileen Jordan, Geraldine Harper, and Rosalie Navrath and husband Joe; brother, Steve Pratka and wife Pam; Brothers-in-law, Haney Atyia, Freid Atyia and wife Pat, Dale Pease and Doug Atyia and wife Judy; sister-in-law, JoAnn Howell; special friend Likese Ntlama and her son Ty and many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. If you wish to honor Henry by making a Memorial Donation in his honor, the family has requested that memorial donations be sent to the American Legion Post 11, NBU 8607, Prague, OK 74864 or St. Wenceslaus Catholic Church at PO Box 488, Prague, OK 74864 or https://www.shrineofinfantjesus.com/. A Funeral Mass is scheduled on Monday, July 22, 2019 at 10:00 AM at St. Wenceslaus Catholic Church in Prague, with burial immediately following at the Prague Catholic Cemetery. The family will greet friends on Sunday, July 21, 2019 from 5:00 PM to 6:30 PM at Parks Brothers Funeral Service in Prague. A Rosary Service will follow at 6:30 PM at Parks Brothers Funeral Service in Prague.