TAMA –Therese Alice Prusha, 75, of Tama, passed away Thursday, March 17, 2011 at her home in Tama under the care of Hospice of Mercy of Cedar Rapids. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held Monday, March 21, 2011 at 10:30 AM at St. Patrick Catholic Church in Tama with Father Michael Mescher officiating. Interment will follow at St. Patrick's Cemetery in Tama. Visitation will be held Sunday, March 20, 2011 from 4-7 PM at Kruse-Phillips Funeral Home in Tama with a Vigil Service and Rosary at 7 PM.
Therese was born on September 15, 1935, in Marshalltown, Iowa, the daughter of Fred and Gertrude (Aldrich) Shilhanek. She was a twin that wasn't supposed to live. She was sent home to die in 1935. She didn't let that stop her. She survived and lived thru the death of her father when she was five. She struggled thru the depression with a single mother of five. That struggle made her the loving, hard working, determined woman that she was. She even went to college at AIB in Des Moines and went on to work in an insurance agency.
Therese married Paul Prusha September 26, 1955 at St. Patrick Catholic Church in Tama. They farmed for forty eight years south of Chelsea and raised five children; Daniel, Kevin, Linda, Janet and Monica. Her boys tragically passed before her. She bent but did not break. Her faith kept her going.
She and Paul enjoyed many years traveling to places like Europe, Australia, the US, Canada and Central America. Therese enjoyed quilting, teaching religion class, and gardening.
Therese lived to see her daughters raise their families and enjoy her grandchildren; Charlie Sandvick, Devyn Horbach, Hunter Horbach and Olivia Lynch. In retirement Paul and she have enjoyed dancing to Barefoot Becky and playing cards with their lifelong friends and many wonderful new friends whom are all very dear to them.
Preceding her in death were her parents; two sons, Daniel and Kevin; one brother, Bernard Shilhanek; and one sister-in-law, Deana Shilhanek.
Survivors include her husband, Paul of Tama; three daughters, Linda Prusha of Marengo, Janet (Lon) Horbach of Ft. Dodge and Monica (Steven) Lynch of Gothenburg, NE; four grandchildren; three brothers, Bill (Mary Ann) Shilhanek of Ottumwa, her twin brother, Terrance Shilhanek of Marion and Fred (Pat) Shilhanek of Cedar Rapids; and several nieces and nephews.
Therese passed away with her loving family at her side and now resides in heaven with her boys. To reach her just pray.
Memorials are appreciated to Hospice of Mercy of Cedar Rapids.