David Allen Prochaska, Hays
April 30, 1946 - November 17, 2023
In Loving Memory of David Allen Prochaska, 77, of Hays, Kansas, passed away on November 17, 2023, at HaysMed. He was born on April 30, 1946, in Wellington, Kansas, to Albert and Beverly (Brandt) Prochaska.
David was a devoted father and family man, a proud veteran, and his legacy is one of service and compassion.
After graduating from Salina High School, David attended Kansas State University to play football and pursue a degree in psychology. Two years into his education, David went on to proudly served his country as a corporal in the United States Marine Corps during Vietnam, where he exhibited exceptional bravery and dedication, earning multiple metals including the esteemed Purple Heart. After his military service, he moved to Hays and completed his education earning a BA in psychology from Fort Hays State University in Dec. 1971.
David embarked on many jobs after graduation, bought his farm and started a family. Growing up on a farm in Caldwell, KS and helping the local farms in his youth, Dave knew he always wanted his own piece of land and small farm. He is best known for his 30+ year career with Culligan, where his customers knew him as “Moses.”
Beyond his military and professional achievements, David was a compassionate CASA counselor, youth baseball coach and loyal friend. David's passions were diverse as a skilled tinkerer, he found joy in woodworking, creating beautiful pieces that reflected his creativity and attention to detail. His adventurous spirit was evident in his love for riding his Harley Davidson, a passion he shared with his children, using it as a tool to teach them to ride as well.
He is survived by his two sons, Kai Prochaska and wife Amber, and their children Tinley and Adlie, all of Hays, and Keian Prochaska of Hays. Additionally, he leaves behind two daughters, Kaisha Prochaska and her children, Dalton and Trevor Clark, all of Manhattan, Kansas, and Karassa Prochaska and her partner, Gentry Stout, of Lamar, Colorado. His memory is also cherished by his brother, Roger Prochaska, of Salina, Kansas, and his sister, Jennifer Prochaska, of Hermosa Beach, California.
David was preceded in death by his parents, Albert and Beverly Prochaska, his brother Michiel Prochaska, and his sister Nancy Montalvo.
While we mourn the loss of a beloved father, brother, and friend, we also celebrate a life well-lived.
A celebration gathering will be 10:00 a.m. - 11:30 a.m. on Saturday, December 2, 2023, concluding with military honors courtesy of the Hays VFW Honor Guard at 11:30 a.m., all at Keithley Funeral Homes and Crematory-Brock's Chapel, 2509 Vine Street, Hays, KS 67601.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to Wounded Warrior Project, reflecting David's commitment to service and community.
To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of David Allen Prochaska, please visit our flower store.