Keith Prochno

Keith Lee (Chico) Prochno, age 76, joined his family and friends in heaven June 9. Taken too soon after a 2 month battle with liver cancer. He had a wonderful and marvelous life.

Born Jan 8, 1945 at St Agnes Hospital in Fond du Lac to parents Ervin and Marvel. Keith spent the first 18 years of his life in the Markesan “of Olde.” Rode to his grandfather’s farm on the Mackford Prairie in horse and buggy. On Saturday mornings, he would take a sandwich and walk up town to his fathers TV repair shop to watch cartoons. Survived many trips to the out house and shivered upstairs. He loved sitting alone, thinking, dreaming among the hickory trees on the east edge of the city.

Keith and school never got along too well. He left school in 1962 to join the Navy. After training he was stationed at Corpus Christi Naval Air Station. Keith was there when the US Military went on high alert during the Cuban missile crisis. Keith often spoke of hitchhiking from Corpus Christi to Markesan. In 1964, an accident and compound fracture of his left femur tempered the rest of his life.

After meeting Deba New Years Eve 1976, they were married on November 28, 1987, at Grace Lutheran Church Ripon.

He spent many years working night shift during canning seasons at Del Monte. In the late 90’s he began working as an independent contractor making deliveries for Ripon Community Printers. He put on many miles around Wisconsin, Illinois and Minnesota.

Keith was a voracious reader of science fiction. Enjoyed feeding and watching his birds. And also hand feeding a chipmunk. Enjoyed gardening. He was a lifelong Packer fan, enjoyed tailgating with Dave and Pat.

Keith got to be quite the tourist once Deba’s mom moved to western Nebraska which served as a base camp. From there, they traveled to Yellowstone, Grand Tetons, Badlands, Mt Rushmore, Wall Drug and many trips to Rocky Mountain National Park. Their biggest adventure started with a cogwheel train ride to top of Pikes Peak and then onto southern Arizona. On their way home visited Sedona, Grand Canyon, Four Corners and up the Million Dollar Highway from Durango to Glenwood Springs. And of course their final stop at Rocky Mountain National Park. Another favorite destination was Black Bear Lodge in St. Germain and dinners at the Golden Pines.

Survived by his wife Debra (Deba) Horn-Prochno, brother Randy Prochno of Markesan, niece Lauren (Bill) Bruce and great nieces Camille and Aubrey of Park Ridge, Il. Nephew Eric Prochnow (special love Chloe) of Phoenix AZ. Sister-in-law Kay Prochnow and nephews Adam and Nicholas of Waddell AZ. Step-Mother-in Law Lynne Horn of Muskego, WI. And his many stuffed animals (Our Kids) including Lambie, Markie, Trexina (his little moon girl).

Preceded in death by his father Ervin Prochno and mother Marvel Zubke nee Weckwerth. Brother Gary, Father in law David R. Horn and Mother in Law Lorraine (Lee) Ehlers. Brother in law D. Jeffrey Horn.

Per Keith’s wishes there will be no visitation or services at this time. A celebration of Life is planned for September.

Much appreciation of excellent care and respect from staff of Agnesian Hospice Hope including Janine, Marissa, Tiffany, Troy, Becky and Joy. And many thanks for extra special support from Lisa, BJ and Jill during his final months.

In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts can be sent to, St. Labre Indian School, POB 216 Ashland, MT 59003 or Disabled American Veterans, POB 14301, Cincinnati, OH 45250-0301 or St Judes Children Research Hospital, POB 50 Memphis, TN 38101-9929

Rest in peace my love, maybe you can sing in the choir now!


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