Joseph A. Praster

SIOUX CITY -- Joseph A. Praster, 59, of Sioux City passed away after a battle with pancreatic cancer Wednesday, June 3, 2009, at his residence with his family present.

Services will be 2 p.m. Monday at Meyer Brothers Colonial Chapel, with the Rev. Merrill Muller officiating. Burial will be in Logan Park Cemetery. Visitation will begin at 4 p.m. today, with the family present at 6 p.m. and a prayer service at 7 p.m., at the funeral home.

Joe was born Dec. 30, 1949, in Sioux City, to Floyd and Gloria Praster. He lived most of his life in Sioux City. He worked for Sioux Harbor Truck Stop for many years until its closing. He then worked for Sioux Harbor Bulk, Tri-State Petroleum and Sapp Brothers Petroleum.

He was a kind person and a friend to everyone who knew him. He loved his family and loved spending time working in his yard. He was very proud of his flowers. He spent many years helping to care for his mother before her passing. He will be missed by all.

He is survived by his children, Paul and his fiancee, Heather, Joseph and his wife, Jessica, Erica and Doug; grandchildren, Stormy, Paulie, Jezmarie and Hayden; his former wife, Patricia Praster-Hammer, who took great care of Joe during his illness; his wife of separation, Lorraine Sarrazin of Whiting, Iowa; brothers, Jim and his wife Dorothy and Scott and his wife Karen; and a sister, Sara and her husband Larry Bodlak.

He was preceded in death by his parents; a brother, Craig; a sister, Frieda; and a daughter, Candice.

Pallbearers will be Paul Praster, Joseph Praster, Doug Praster, Jim Praster, Scott Praster and Mike Praster. Honorary pallbearers will be his "little buddy" Christopher Praster and Sarena "Ringo" Praster.