Wolodymyr “Walter” Procenko, 81

A man with a big heart, who brought joy, laughter and love to so many, passed away peacefully on Saturday, Aug. 17.

Wolodymyr “Walter” Procenko, 81, of Champlin, formerly of Montgomery, spent his final days with family by his side at Methodist Hospital in St. Louis Park.

Funeral services will be held at St. John Lutheran Church of Montgomery on Saturday, Aug. 24 at 11:30 a.m., with visitation beginning at 9 a.m. at the church.

Military honors will be provided by the Montgomery Area Honor Guard. Interment will be at St. John Lutheran Cemetery in Montgomery.

Walter was born to Hryhory and Sofia (Sadovska) Procenko on April 20, 1938. He grew up in the Ukraine and Poland before his family moved to the United States in 1948 and settled in Champlin.

Walter proudly served in the U.S. Army starting in 1957. He was stationed in the United States and Germany before being honorably discharged in 1963.

He moved to Montgomery in 1974 and worked for more than 20 years at United Steel Products. He also worked in the restaurant industry at Freddie’s, the NorthStar Inn, and was a long-term employee of Murray’s Steakhouse in Minneapolis.

Walter was a hard worker, a gifted troubleshooter and draftsman.

He loved his family and friends, especially his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He never missed a birthday or holiday and often spent hours picking out the perfect card.

Walter had a passion using his hands for creative repairs. He loved fixing and building things for other people, and bringing others joy.

He loved watching wrestling on TV and was an avid follower of the Minnesota Twins and the Vikings. A win on the Lucky 7 slot machines and good buffet always made him smile.

Fishing, playing cards, spending time at the “Ranch”, and visiting with family around the campfire brought him much enjoyment. He loved being outside with birds and nature.

Walter is survived by his six children, Linda (Jim) Bachman, Ronald Procenko, Stephen Procenko, Elizabeth (Richard) Vlasak, Bonnie (Wade) Young, Mary (Jarred) Miland; 11 grandchildren, Anna (Scott) Harms, Andy (Mary) Bachman, Sarah Vlasak, Holly (Nick) Bartels, Benjamin Vlasak, Hannah Young, Isaac Young, Mecca Nightingale, Alexander Miland, Dominick Miland, Aidan Miland; eight great-grandchildren, Ethan, Addison and Elle Harms, Noah, Ian and Jonathon Bachman, Elijah and Connor Bartels; former wife, Karen (Doug) Thompson; many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

He is preceded in death by his parents; brother, Leonid; nephew, Greg, and loving friend, Donna Salhus.

Services were provided by Schoenbauer Funeral Home, Montgomery. www.schoenbauerfuneralhome.com, 507-364-7929