Harry “Unc” E. Prast, 74, of LaPorte, died Tuesday, Oct. 13, 2009, at LaPorte Hospital.
He was born July 26, 1935, in Michigan City to Harry E. Sr. and Irma L. (Gasaway) Prast.
Mr. Prast was a mason/bricklayer, serving his apprenticeship with Larson-Danielson Construction Co., then continuing his career as a maintenance foreman with Indiana State Prison. He was a member of St. Paul Lutheran Church and the LaPorte County Draft Horse Association. He raised draft horses on his property for 4-H children to show at the LaPorte County Fair for over 10 years. He was an animal lover and enthusiast, raising many different breeds on his property. He enjoyed spending time caring for his animals. He was a member of Local 6 Masons. Mr. Prast was a veteran of the U.S. Army.
On Sept. 8, 1956, he married Janice Peters, who survives.
Also surviving are his brother, Ronald E. (Jaqueline) Prast Sr. of LaPorte; sisters-in-law Joyce (William) Manning and Pam (William) Shrader; nephews Ronald (Terry) Prast Jr., Mark (Angie) Prast, Kevin (Teresa) Prast, Brett Prast, Jared (Kendra) Prast, Kip (Beth) Prast, William Manning, Kirk Manning, and Scott (Pamela) Shrader; nieces Natalie (Terry) Metz, Kelly (Joseph) Jaques, Bethany Manning, Keary Shrader, and Heather (Don) Lentz; many great-nieces and great-nephews; aunt Clara Gasaway of Michigan City; and special friends Travis Fogus, Hope Fogus and Deborah Kintzle.
His parents preceded him in death.
Services will be held Saturday, Oct. 17, at 11 a.m. at Carlisle Funeral Home, Michigan City, with Pastor Mark Reshan officiating. Visitation will be from 9 a.m. until the service. Burial will be in Swan Lake Memorial Gardens, Michigan City.
Memorial contributions may be made to St. Paul Lutheran Church, 818 Franklin St., Michigan City, IN 46360.
