Emil A. Prantner Jr., 99, of Austin, Minnesota, passed away at home on Wednesday, July 4, 2018.

He was born Jan. 24, 1919, in Lucan, Minnesota, the son of Emil Sr. and Emma (Smetak) Prantner. The family moved to the Seaforth, Minnesota, area, where Emil’s parents farmed and he attended school. Upon his mother’s death when Emil was 10 years old, his father moved the family to the Myrtle, Minnesota, area to be near relatives. Emil helped on the farm and completed school through the eighth grade. At age 21, he enlisted in the U.S. Army and served for four years and seven months during WWII in Normandy and the Battle of the Bulge. Emil received several medals including the Bronze Star. On July 3, 2002, Congressman Gil Gutknecht awarded him the Liberty Medal from Normandy.  On Oct. 10, 1945, Emil was united in marriage to Beverly Hartley of Austin and the couple had two children. Emil and Beverly lived on the same farm for 71 years. He loved the land, enjoyed hunting and fishing, and was good at woodworking, making many things for members of his family. Emil was an active member of Trondhjem Lutheran Church and a longtime member of the Brick Hall. He will be dearly missed by his family and friends.

Emil is survived by his wife of 72 years, Beverly Prantner of Austin; his daughter, Marsha (Steve) Wilcox of Livermore, Colorado; five grandchildren; and 12 great-grandchildren; nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, his son Dean Prantner, four brothers, and two sisters.

A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, July 7, 2018, at Hayward Lutheran Church in Hayward, Minnesota, with Pastor Joshua Enderson officiating.  The family will greet friends from 10-11 a.m. on Saturday at the church, immediately preceding the service.  A private interment will be held at the Bohemian National Cemetery, Myrtle, Minnesota. In lieu of flowers, memorials can be directed to Trondhjem Lutheran Church, the Brick Hall, or recipient of donor’s choice.

Worlein Funeral Home of Austin is assisting the family with arrangements.  Condolences may be expressed to the family online at www.worlein.com.