John “Jack” Cletus Prehn, 91

John “Jack” Cletus Prehn, age 91, of Waterville, passed away on Saturday, December 7, 2024, at the Traditions in Waterville.

Born on May 8, 1933, Jack was the son of Donald and Loretta (Hoehn) Prehn. He attended Janesville High School and graduated with the class of 1952. He enlisted in the United States Army and served until his honorable discharge in 1955. He worked as a lineman for Centel for over forty years until his retirement. He was united in marriage to Kathleen Galler on May 11, 1957, at St. Ann Catholic Church in Janesville. Together, they raised three daughters, Kate, Mary and Pat.

Jack enjoyed hunting and fishing; his happy place was Leech Lake. He loved sipping on a good cup of coffee, going on rides, and playing pull tabs. Most of all, he loved his grandchildren, nieces and nephews. You would always find him cheering them on at their various events. You could always count on him.                 He was active with Ducks Unlimited, Pheasants Forever, and the Knights of Columbus. He was a member of Holy Trinity Catholic Church in Waterville. He was a loving dad and grandpa who will be dearly missed.

Jack is survived by his three daughters, Kate (Greg) Wetzel of Andover, Mary (Brian) Harty of Maple Grove, Pat (Nyl) Pope of Waterville; grandchildren, Andrew (Leslie), Joe (Amie), Adam (Emily), Sarah (Kevin), Erin (Jake), Shaun, Kevin, Brandon (Hana), Grant (Laney), Phyllip, Cole (Kallie); fifteen great-grandchildren; and sister, Jeannette Bartelt of Janesville. 

He was preceded in death by his wife, Kathleen Prehn; parents, Donald and Loretta Prehn; sisters, Judy Balentine and Jeannine Johnson.

Visitation will be held from 3 - 5 p.m. on Sunday, December 15, 2024, at the Waterville Chapel of Dennis-Steffel-Omtvedt Funeral and Cremation Service. Visitation will continue one hour prior to the service at the church on Monday.

Mass of Christian Burial will be at 11 a.m. on Monday, December 16, 2024, at Holy Trinity Catholic Church in Waterville. A rosary for Jack will begin at 9:30 a.m. at the church. Interment will follow the service at Calvary Cemetery in Waterville.