Gilbert Edmund Pracht

Gilbert E. Pracht, 88 of Akron, passed away on Tuesday, June 12, 2012 at a Sioux City hospital. A Memorial Mass will be at 11:00 a.m. Saturday, June 16, 2012 at St. Patrick's Catholic Church in Akron with Father Roger Linnan as Celebrant. Inurnment will be at a later date in Oakley, Kansas. Meyer Brothers Colonial Chapel is assisting the family with arrangements. Online condolences may be offered to the family at www.meyerbroschapels.com Gilbert was born on May 6, 1924 in Utica, Kansas to Louie A. and Eula (Harrison) Pracht. He received his education in Utica, graduating with the Class of 1942. Gilbert served his country as a United States Marine, serving on Iwo Jima and during the occupation of Japan. Gilbert received the Purple Heart after being wounded while on the Volcano Islands on February 24, 1945. He received his honorable discharge in April of 1946. Gilbert received his barbering license following his military career, practicing in Oakley, Kansas for 25 years. Gilbert married Bonnie L. Urban on June 11, 1960 in Colby, Kansas. He worked for the State of Kansas as an agent for the Department of Revenue while the family lived in Garden City, Kansas and retired in 1989 while living in Liebenthal, Kansas. The couple moved to Akron, Iowa in 2004. Gilbert was a sports enthusiast, enjoying the Ft. Hays State Community College basketball, the Garden City Community College basketball, and most recently the Akron-Westfield High School girl's softball games. He enjoyed playing pool, camping with the family when their children were young, fishing, hunting, and woodworking. He was a member of the St. Patrick's Catholic Church, and was a proud 47 year friend of Bill W. Gilbert is survived by his wife Bonnie of Akron; children Ethea Brennan and her husband Dave of Edwards, Missouri, Michael Pracht of Akron, Iowa, and Julia Huber and her husband Michael of Akron, Iowa; sister Jennie Allen and her husband Merritt of Spring, Texas; grandchildren JuliAnna Baker, Kathryn Weiser, Tara Pelaccio, Heather Pracht, Andrew Pracht, Christopher Huber, and Matthew Huber; and 15 great-grandchildren. Gilbert was preceded in death by his parents, brother Dr. Robert Pracht, sister Leta Nevergall, and granddaughter Jodi Arnold.