Garvin "Gar" G. Pronk

Garvin "Gar" G. Pronk, 72, of Rochester, MN passed away peacefully on Tuesday, September 10, 2019, at his residence after courageously facing lung cancer head-on. Garvin Gene Pronk was born February 25, 1947, in Pipestone, MN to Lester and Lydia (Evink) Pronk. He grew up in Leota, MN and then moved to Worthington, MN where he graduated from high school. He attended Southwest Vo Tech in Jackson, MN and worked at a body shop in Worthington. On July 6, 1968, he married Bobette Jans in Worthington, MN. The couple moved to Rochester, MN in 1973 and he worked in distribution and then the trucking industry until a work-related injury forced a career change. He attended Austin Vo Tech for training that led him to work in the parts departments at Meister Implement in Pine Island, MN, Schultz Implement in St. Charles, MN and Bishop Wacholz Implement in Kasson, MN. He was a skilled woodworker, enjoyed fishing, and is one of his grandchildren's biggest fans at sporting events and other activities. Gar was an active member of Rochester Covenant Church and the Zumbro Valley Wood Turners Association. Gar is survived by his wife, Bobette of Rochester, MN; one daughter, Gwen (Ken) Stevens of Rochester, MN; one son, Bryce (Sara) Pronk of Oronoco, MN; five grandchildren, Kendra, Kayla, Bennett, Karisa and Alexis; one sister, Donna (Doug) Van Roekel of Sioux Falls, SD; two brothers-in-law, Bruce Gehring of Grand Marais, MN and Joe Datzman of Outing, MN; and one sister-in-law, Karen Roth of Eagan, MN. He was preceded in death by his parents; sister, Darlene Gehring, brother-in-law, Don Roth; sister-in-law and brother-in-law, Bonnie (Merle) Schmitz; and sister-in-law, JoAnn Datzman. A Celebration of Life will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, September 14, 2019 at Rochester Covenant Church (4950 31st Avenue NW Rochester, MN) with the Reverend Steve Eng officiating. Visitation will be held from 5:00-8:00 p.m. on Friday, September 13, 2019 at Ranfranz and Vine Funeral Homes (5421 Royal Place NW Rochester, MN) and one hour prior to the service on Saturday at the church. Burial will take place at Oakwood Cemetery. Ranfranz and Vine Funeral Homes is honored to be serving the Pronk family. To leave a special memory or condolence please visit www.ranfranzandvinefh.com