"I met and knew Gar through the Zumbrota Valley Woodturners organization. His gentle encouragement and hints helped me to gain skills. I truly appreciated his quiet confidence. He will be missed. My thoughts and prayers are with family and friends. May the memories of the good times with Gar be with you always. Mark Behrends"
In loving memory of
Garvin "Gar" G. Pronk
February 25, 1947 - September 10, 2019
Garvin "Gar" G. Pronk, 72, of Rochester, MN passed away peacefully on Tuesday, September 10, 2019, at his residence after courageously facing lung cancer head-on.
Garvin Gene Pronk was born February 25, 1947, in Pipestone, MN to Lester and Lydia (Evink) Pronk. He grew up in Leota, MN and then moved to Worthington, MN where he graduated from high school. He attended Southwest Vo Tech in Jackson, MN and worked at a body shop in Worthington. On July 6, 1968, he married Bobette Jans in Worthington, MN. The couple moved to Rochester, MN in 1973 and he worked in distribution and then the trucking industry until a work-related injury forced a career change. He attended Austin Vo Tech for training that led him to work in the parts departments at Meister Implement in Pine Island, MN, Schultz Implement in St. Charles, MN and Bishop Wacholz Implement in Kasson, MN. He was a skilled woodworker, enjoyed fishing, and is one of his grandchildren's biggest fans at sporting events and other activities. Gar was an active member of Rochester Covenant Church and the Zumbro Valley Wood Turners Association.
Gar is survived by his wife, Bobette of Rochester, MN; one daughter, Gwen (Ken) Stevens of Rochester, MN; one son, Bryce (Sara) Pronk of Oronoco, MN; five grandchildren, Kendra, Kayla, Bennett, Karisa and Alexis; one sister, Donna (Doug) Van Roekel of Sioux Falls, SD; two brothers-in-law, Bruce Gehring of Grand Marais, MN and Joe Datzman of Outing, MN; and one sister-in-law, Karen Roth of Eagan, MN. He was preceded in death by his parents; sister, Darlene Gehring, brother-in-law, Don Roth; sister-in-law and brother-in-law, Bonnie (Merle) Schmitz; and sister-in-law, JoAnn Datzman.
A Celebration of Life will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, September 14, 2019 at Rochester Covenant Church (4950 31st Avenue NW Rochester, MN) with the Reverend Steve Eng officiating. Visitation will be held from 5:00-8:00 p.m. on Friday, September 13, 2019 at Ranfranz and Vine Funeral Homes (5421 Royal Place NW Rochester, MN) and one hour prior to the service on Saturday at the church. Burial will take place at Oakwood Cemetery.
Ranfranz and Vine Funeral Homes is honored to be serving the Pronk family. To leave a special memory or condolence please visit www.ranfranzandvinefh.com
Tributes
"Bobbie, Gwen, Bryce and families. We will always remember the great times we had with your dad, mom and you. It wasn?t always often that we got to see everyone but each time we got together your dad and hubby was the first to extend that hug or handshake of genuine friendship and love. He was always there to support his family including the crazy cousin antics. With that in mind, take some time, pour a beer and toast his life. Wish we could be there to raise our toast to a wonderful guy. We will miss him! Love you all. Rex and Cokie"
"Bobbie, Gwen, Bryce and families. We will always remember the great times we had with your dad, mom and you. It wasn?t always often that we got to see everyone but each time we got together your dad and hubby was the first to extend that hug or handshake of genuine friendship and love. He was always there to support his family including the crazy cousin antics. With that in mind, take some time, pour a beer and toast his life. Wish we could be there to raise our toast to a wonderful guy. We will miss him! Love you all. Rex and Cokie"
"Bobbi, Gwen, Bryce., and families, so very sorry for your loss. Gar will be so missed at Rochester Covenant too!! He was always helping do so much for so many all the time always with a loving, caring attitude. I just know his ?welcome ? in heaven will certainly be ?well done good and faithful servant!? Our prayers are with you ?.! Gary and Judy Swenson"
"Dear Bobbie, sending my sympathies to you and your family at this sad time. I remember when you and Gar moved to Rochester in 1973 and we were both working in the correspondence center at IBM. I laughed when I read Debra Navarro Clark's tribute; I went to grade school and high school with Robert Navarro and can see how Robert and Gar would be good friends. Both of them good guys and gone way too soon. Keeping you in my heart and prayers. Mary Boettcher "
"Bobbette--it is me Robert E. Adams one of your softball team mates and IBM friends--I am sorry about Gar---may GOD REST HIS SOUL"
"Bobbie, Gwen, Bryce and grandkids, so very very sorry for your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. When you are overwhelmed with grief, just remember Gar is out of pain and in a much better place, it definitely helped me after losing my Dad last year, remember all the fun times..... Bobbi and Billy Olson"
"To the family of Gar Pronk: We are so sorry for your loss. May memories of happy times shared with him help ease your sorrow. We will miss Gar at our monthly woodturner's meetings and events. He was a nice guy. Sincerely, Bob and Karin Post, Zumbrota/Mn."
"Bobbie and Family: Words cannot fully express our sorrow. For 25 yrs., a friend, a brother, a tutor. He wanted to know that he had lived a meaninful life, and Oh, boy, he did! So many happy memories. More than anything a brother to us. Our love embraces you all at this time. "
"My memories of Gar go back to our high school days in Worthington. He was always calm, funny and a constant in our lives. "
"Bobbie and family, so sorry for your loss. My condolences to all of you."
"So sorry for your loss! My thoughts and prayers are with you, Bobette, and your family. Nancy Joosten"
"I remember Garvin from school. He was always such a kind and gentle guy! Very good person ! My sympathies are with all of his family and friends. May our Lord and Savior place his loving and comforting arms around you all. Lynette (Lynn) King"
"Sorry to learn of Gar's passing, prayers for his family and friends, I got to know and work with him through the Zumbro Valley Woodturners as member and serving together on the Board. He had a wonderful spirt of helping, serving and pitching in to get whatever needed doing, done. Thank you Gar, for enriching my time here on earth. "
"So very sorry for your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all during this difficult time. Mike and Teresa Whitcome"
"Bobbie and family I am so sorry for your loss. I graduated from HS with Bobbie, but my parents and Gar's parents worked together for years at Campbells Soup. Gar, Bobbie and I used to meet at Caribou for coffee on my yearly trips back to Minnesota. My prayers are with you."
"Bobbie, Gwen, Bryce and families we are sorry for your loss. Our prayers are with you. "
"Sorry to hear of your loss Thoughts and prayers for you and your family. Obie"
"We are so sorry to hear of your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you"
"Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family "
"Bobbie, Gwen , Bryce and family.. so sorry for your loss. He will be missed... I bet he?s having a beer with Robert ??"
"Bobbie and family; I can't say enough. Gar was a good neighbor for 35 years, and he will be missed. I hope you can remember all the fun times. I think Gar would like that. Love; Chris and Scott"