James R. 'Booger' Vanasek, 82

Jim (Booger) Vanasek, Age 82 of Sun City, California, passed away on May 12th from ongoing heart related problems.  He was preceded in death by his parents, Robert & Ella (Prochaska).  Jim was born in New Prague on February 22nd, 1936.  He graduated from New Prague High School & Gustavus Adolphus College.  He served in the U.S. Army and was stationed in Ft. Riley, Kansas and Ft. Gordon, Georgia.  Jim was an accountant and bookkeeper in Minnesota before he escaped to the warmer climate in Southern California in the early 1970s.  

“Booger” was a nickname from childhood that stayed with him for his entire life.  He excelled in baseball, football and basketball in high school, but his true love was amateur baseball.  He played for the town team in New Prague for many years and continued to play in southern California until several years ago when his health declined.  Jim was a canny pitcher who threw a mean knuckleball.  He also enjoyed playing golf, although sometimes his club went farther than his ball did.  

Jim will be missed by all those who grew up with him, especially those who kept in contact with him.  He is survived by his brother Ed (Shari) who resides in Belle Plaine, Minnesota, and nieces Tracy Vanasek (Erv Haman) of New Prague and Trish (Chad) Meschke & children Allie & Noah of Prior Lake, and many cousins.

Jim resided at the Murrieta Health & Rehabilitation Center in Murrieta, California, for the last few months of his life.  Jim’s choice was to have his body donated to the Body Donation Program at UC San Diego School of Medicine.

  

Category:

Publication:

Suel Printing Company

Copyright © Suel Printing Company
All Rights Reserved
200 Main St E
New Prague, MN 56071

Phone: 952-758-4435
Fax: 952-758-4135

Latest articles

Thu, 03/28/2024 - 11:40am
Thu, 03/28/2024 - 11:33am
Thu, 03/28/2024 - 10:00am
Tue, 03/26/2024 - 4:12pm

If you would like to receive a FREE digital edition with a paid print subscription please call 952-758-4435.