Betty A Praska

Betty A. Praska, 78 a long time resident of the Park River area passed away on Friday, February 22, 2013 at First Care Health Center of Park River. Betty A Novak was born June 26, 1934 near Lankin, ND the daughter of the late Charles and Mary (Beneda) Novak. She grew up and graduated from Lankin High School in 1952. She was united in marriage to Dave Praska on May 14, 1952 in Lankin, ND. The couple made their home in Lankin and Adams before settling in Park River in 1964 where they raised five children. Betty sold Avon for over 30 years. She worked at the Park River Creamery, worked as a home health aide for Walsh County Social Services and later as a private home health aide at the Good Samaritan Center of Park River. She also sold Sarah Coventry and toys for many years. Betty was very involved in her church and community. She was a member of St. Mary's Catholic Church and Altar Society. She served as Altar Society President. She was a member of the Catholic Daughter's of America, a lifetime member of the Park River American Legion Auxiliary and a charter member of the Valley Czech Singers. She also served as an EMT with her husband Dave with the Park River Ambulance. Betty enjoyed spending time with friends and family. She was an avid bowler and received high score several times and she loved to play whist. In 2001, Betty was diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease. She remained at home under the care of her husband and son until March of 2011 when she moved into the Good Samaritan Center. Betty is survived by her husband of 60 years, Dave Praska; children: Doug (Sue) Praska, Ardoch, ND; Debbie (Lynn) Nelson, Minot, ND; Guy Praska and special friend, Maren, Park River, ND; Mary "Peenie" (Scott) Rand, Thief River Falls, MN; six grandchildren: Shawn (Julie) Praska, Jeremy Praska, Jason Nelson, Julie (Bill) Moser, Justin (Audrey) Kachena and Josh Rand. She is also survived by several great grandchildren and brother, Charles (Debbie) Novak, Lankin, ND and may wonderful friends. She was preceded in death by her parents, brother, Robert Novak and daughter, Julie Praska. Mass of Christian Burial will be Tuesday, February 26, 2013 at 11:00 A.M. at St. Mary's Catholic Church. Visitation will be Monday, February 25, 2013 from 5-7 PM with a prayer service at 7:00 PM at the Tollefson Funeral Home of Park River, ND. Friends may also call at the church on Tuesday for one hour prior to the service. Interment will be at Calvary Cemetery, Park River, ND.