Anita Albina Proske

Anita Albina Proske, a beacon of love and kindness, passed away peacefully on Satuday, March 30, 2024, at the age of 88 in La Grange. Born on May 7, 1935, in Moravia, she spent her childhood and early adulthood there, forming lasting bonds and memories that she would carry with her throughout her life.

For the last 69 years, Anita was the loving wife of Adolph Proske, with whom she built a beautiful life filled with joy and laughter. Together, they raised four children and grew a family of one beautiful daughter, Kathy (deceased) and her husband John Spradling, and three wonderful sons, Bob and his wife Debbie, Randy and his wife Phyllis, and Chris and his wife Emma. She was a pillar of strength and support for her family, guiding them with her faith-filled heart.

A devoted grandmother, Anita’s legacy continues through her grandchildren: John Spradling; Christine Jones and her husband Robby; Stephen Spradling and his wife Ariana; Marissa Dickerson and her husband Matt; Greg Proske and his fiancé Morgan Hull; Jenna Proske; Stephanie Proske and her fiancé Henry Tinné; Trenton Proske and his wife Haley; Sarah Proske; and Rebecca Gerik and her husband Tyler. She was also blessed to see the world through the eyes of her great-grandchildren: Kaylee, Aaron, Adlyn, Rowan, Aven, Everly, Michael, Evelyn, Kate, Owen and Nash.

Anita’s heart and home were always open, and her kitchen was the heart of many family gatherings. Her love for baking was only matched by the joy she found in sharing her creations with those she loved. Anita’s hands were rarely still, as she found solace and joy in cross-stitching, embroidery, and quilting. Her handcrafted rabbits and teddy bears were not just toys, but symbols of her warmth and affection.

Anita dedicated her professional life to nurturing others. She was a beloved housewife, a caring school cafeteria cook, and later, with her husband and others, started Schulenburg Printing & Office Supplies where she became a staple for the next 20+ years until her retirement. Her work was an extension of her nurturing nature, providing comfort and care to everyone she served.

Anita’s interests reflected her love for life and her cultural heritage. She was an avid fan of the Astros, cheering them on with the same enthusiasm she brought to all her endeavors. Her garden was a testament to her patience and dedication, blooming with the same vibrancy that characterized her spirit. Anita’s hands were also devoted to crafting rosaries, a reflection of her deep faith and desire to bring peace and solace to others.

Her love for Czech music often filled the rooms of her home, stirring memories of her heritage and bringing smiles to the faces of all who heard it. Anita’s commitment to her grandchildren and great-grandchildren was unwavering. She took immense pleasure in visiting with them, keeping up with their lives, and sharing in their milestones and everyday moments.

Anita will be remembered as a loving, kind, and faith-filled woman. Her presence was a comfort, her smile a light, and her life a testament to the power of love and devotion. She nurtured not just her family but everyone who had the pleasure of knowing her. Anita’s influence will continue to be felt through the lives of her family and the many people she touched.

As her family bids farewell to Anita Albina Proske, they celebrate the remarkable life she lived and the countless ways she enriched the lives of those around her. Her memory will be cherished and kept alive in the stories, lessons, and love she shared. Anita’s life was a beautiful tapestry woven with love, kindness, and faith, and she will be deeply missed by all who had the privilege of knowing her.

Anita is survived by her husband Adolph Proske; sons Bob (Debbie) Proske of Schulenburg, Randy (Phyllis) Proske of La Grange, and Chris (Emma) Proske of La Grange; son-in-law Johnny Spradling of Houston; grandchildren John Spradling of San Leon, Christine (Robby) Jones of Pasadena, Stephen (Ariana) Spradling of Friendswood, Marissa (Matt) Dickerson of Katy, Greg Proske of Schulenburg, Jenna Proske of Coleman, Stephanie Proske of Houston, Trenton (Haley) Proske of Lake Jackson, Sarah Proske of Houston, and Rebecca (Tyler) Gerik of Fulshear; great-grandchildren Kaylee Spradling; Aaron and Adlyn Jones; Rowan, Aven and Everly Spradling; Michael and Evelyn Dickerson; Kate and Owen Proske; and Nash Gerik. She is also survived by one sister Georgia Pavliska; sisters-in-law Bernice Barborak and Pat Proske; and many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her daughter Kathy Spradling; her parents, William and Albina (Novak) Barborak; sister Irene Barborak; brothers Ben Barborak and Willie Barborak; parents-in-law, Alfred and Elsie (Schoenfeld) Proske; brothers-in-law, Jerome Pavliska and Roland Proske.

A visitation was held Thursday, April 4, 2024, at Koenig-Belvill Funeral Home & Cremations in La Grange from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. A Holy Rosary was recited at Koenig-Belvill Funeral Home beginning at 6:30 p.m.

The funeral Mass was held at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in La Grange at 10:30 a.m. on Friday, April 5, 2024. A graveside service was held immediately after the funeral Mass at the La Grange City Cemetery.

Memorial contributions can be made to Sacred Heart Church, Sacred Heart Catholic School, Catholic Daughters of America (CDA ) Scholarship Fund in memory of Anita Proske or the Sacred Heart Altar Society.

Funeral arrangements were entrusted to Koenig-Belvill Funeral Home & Cremations, 208 W. Pearl St., La Grange. Family and friends can view and sign the guestbook online at www.lagrangefunerals.com.