DONALD WALLACE PRANKE, MD
1920-2017
Our beloved husband, father, grandfather and greatgrandfather Donald Wallace Pranke, MD, left us to be with our heavenly Father on May 24 in Houston, Texas. He was 96 years old. Don was born August 2, 1920 in Pana, Illinois to the late Albert and Irma Phau Pranke.
Don attended the University of Illinois in ChampaignUrbana and then graduated from the University of Illinois Medical School where he was a member of Theta Chi Fraternity.
From 1940 to 1946 Don served in the United States Navy holding various medical and surgical positions. He was called back to active duty in Korea and finished his military career as Chief of Urology at Bethesda Naval Hospital.
Don then served several years in private practice, and in 1962 he founded the Kelsey Seybold Urology Department. He had a very rewarding career in his practice, teaching and surgery until his retirement in 1998. Over the years Don participated in the care of NASA’s Gemini and Apollo astronauts. Dr. Pranke was a well-respected physician and surgeon. He was a founding member of the Warren H. Cole Society, president of the Doctor’s Club, a member of The Colonneh Club and River Oaks Country Club.
He was an avid quail and dove hunter and participated in competitive shooting events for pistol, shotgun and skeet. Don was also an enthusiastic photographer.
Don was preceded in death by his parents, his wife of 57 years Patricia and his brother Robert. He is survived by his second wife Dodie, daughters and sons-in-law Patricia and Andrew Meyer of Maple Glenn, PA, Diane and Richard Kadlick of Houston, TX, Carol Gray Pranke of Wimberley, TX and sister-inlaw Carol Robinson and three nephews. He will be dearly missed by his grandchildren, Paul Meyer and wife Caron, Victoria Meyers and husband Russ, James Kadlick and wife Ginny, Elizabeth Gray Le Master and husband Javier, Caroline Harrison and husband Andy and Taylor Whitty and husband Daniel. Don was also blessed with six great grandchildren.
Don will be greatly missed by his wife, children, grandchildren, great grandchildren as well as his beloved dog Sidney and cat Angel.
The family would like to thank Houston Hospice and John Lewis for their remarkable care and love.
A memorial service and celebration of Don’s life will be conducted by Reverend Dr. Douglas W. Richnow at two o’clock on Friday the 2nd of June at St. John the Divine, 2450 River Oaks Blvd.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a contribution to St. John the Divine, the Houston SPCA or charity of your choice.