Henry Francis Prehal

It is with deep sorrow and sadness that the family of Henry “Hank” Francis Prehal announce his peaceful passing on Tuesday, June 28, 2022 at the age of 95 years, 10 days short of his 96th birthday. Hank was born as Henry Francis Prehal on a farm in rural Jordan, Minnesota to Leonard and Agnes Arens Prehal. After losing his mother at a young age, Hank and his sister, Marie Prehal Dean (died 2013), were raised by their grandparents, the Honorable Henry Arens, former Lt. Governor and U.S. Congressman from Minnesota, and Agnes Henkels Arens. Hank was an honorably discharged WWII U.S. Navy veteran who served as a gunner’s mate protecting Liberty ships. He also attended the University of St. Thomas Aquinas and Mankato State. He met his wife Marlene “Toody” (Swanson) at an ammunition factory in Minnesota. They later moved to California where he worked several interesting sales jobs, such as at Hiller Helicopters, Ampex Audio, and Twentieth Century Coil Springs, before owning several bars and nightclubs. Hank and Toody then retired in Central Florida. Hank was a devout Catholic, a devoted husband and father, a strong athlete, and a savvy businessman. Hank enjoyed watching a variety sports, but especially liked to play golf and softball. Above all else, Hank was a lover of life; the life of the party who enjoyed people from all walks of life. Hank will be dearly remembered by his family. He leaves behind his loving wife of 68 years, Marlene “Toody”; sister-in-law Lynn Wagstrom (husband Bob); son Bruce Prehal (wife Barbara); daughter Harriet Mallicoat (husband Norman); four grandchildren Brenda Prehal (husband Ingvi Snorrason), Adam, Marsh, and Logan Mallicoat; great granddaughter Eydis Ingvadottir; and many nieces and nephews, Mark Glenn, Jim, Judy, Carol, Bob, Dick, Tom, Jean, Mary, Joe, and Dave Dean. According to their final wishes, a joint Celebration of Life service will be held in Jordan, Minnesota after the passing of his doting wife Marlene. Their final resting place will be together at Fort Snelling National Cemetery in St. Paul, Minnesota. In lieu of flowers, Memorial Donations may be made in the name of Henry “Hank” Francis Prehal to the Tunnel to Towers Foundation (t2t.org). The family wishes to send a special thank you to the Staff at Savannah Court of St. Cloud-ALF and Halifax Health Hospice Services.

Henry Francis Prehal

July 8, 1926 - June 28, 2022