Walter A. Pruka

Walter A. Pruka, 98, of Rushford, died July 8, 2026.

Walter was born on September 4, 1927, to Frank Pruka and Sarah (Durgin) Pruka. Growing up, he worked on the family farm in Wiscoy Valley. He later bought his farm on the ridge in 1951.

On June 27, 1953, he married Louise Eggert at St. John’s Church in Hart, Minnesota. Together they had two sons, Darv and Daryl.

Walter was a lifelong farmer, raising both livestock and crops.

He is survived by his sons, Darv (Karen) and Daryl (Karen); grandchildren, Shane (Paula) Pruka, Jessica Pruka, Amanda (Loren Green) Pruka, Jennifer (Todd) Smith; great-grandchildren, Tia Pruka, Dakota Pruka, Matthew Smith, Elijah Smith, and Anna Smith; sisters, Ruth Cordes and Helen Bunke; and special friends, Dean and Yvonne Stoa, Jeff Feine, and Mark Ronnenberg.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Louise, granddaughter, Sarah; his parents, Frank and Sarah Pruka; sister, Agnes (Fritz) Oldendorf, brother, George (Irene) Pruka; sister, Norma (Harley) Jorde; 4 half-brothers and 1 stepbrother.

Walter’s family would like to extend a special thank you to St. Croix Hospice for their compassionate care.

Funeral service will be held at 11am on Tuesday, July 14, 2026, at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Hart. Visitation will be held from 4-7pm on Monday, July 13, 2026, at Hoff Funeral Home in Rushford, and will continue an hour prior to service at the church.

Hoff Funeral Home Rushford is assisting the family.