A Pulitzer Prize-winning newspaper
Helen "Fran" Proczak, 80, of Storm Lake died Dec. 30, 2025, at her residence.
Funeral Mass will take place Wednesday, Jan. 7, at 10:30 a.m. at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Storm Lake. Burial will be in St. Mary's Catholic Cemetery. Visitation will be held Tuesday, Jan. 6, from 5-7 p.m. with Time of Sharing at 6:30 p.m. at Fratzke & Jensen Funeral Home in Storm Lake. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the Ovarian Cancer Society or SOS Thrift Store in Storm Lake.
Fran was born Jan. 22, 1945, to Raymond and Helen (Thompson) Struck at Truesdale.
She was baptized at St. Mary’s Catholic Church where she remained a faithful member her entire life. She attended St. Mary’s Catholic School.
On Sept. 1, 1962, Helen was united in marriage to Bernard Proczak at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Storm Lake. To this union, four children were born: Leah, Gina, Teresa and Amy.
Fran devoted her younger years to raising her family. After her children were grown, she traveled with Bernie for work. She enjoyed volunteering at the SOS store in Storm Lake. In Fran’s free time, she enjoyed reading, watching Hallmark movies and listening to country music. Fran and Bernie were avid travelers and especially enjoyed traveling anywhere with water. She loved boating and going on annual trips to Hawaii. She also enjoyed trips to Estes Park, Colo., to see the mountains and nature. In the fall season, you could find Fran and Bernie going for Corvette rides to soak in all the fall colors. She looked forward to watching basketball games and you could find her cheering on the Buena Vista Beavers, Creighton Bluejays and Iowa Hawkeyes. Fran will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved her.
Left to cherish Fran’s life include her children: Leah (Richard) Johnson of Storm Lake; Gina (Ty) Taylor of Ankeny; Amy (Jim) Balm of Boone; son-in-law Wayne Lamoureux of Boone; siblings: Alice Sanchez, Karen (Denny) Fay, Marilyn Steinkamp, Giles (Jan) Struck, John (Marsha) Struck, Mark (Deanna) Struck and Ronnie (Denise) Struck; grandchildren: Jenifer, Kelly and Kristen; Amanda, Nacole and Jason; Hanna, Jamie and Jenna; grandson-in-law Brad Butler; 28 great-grandchildren; one great-great grandchild; sister-in-law Darla Struck; brother-in-law Joseph Proczak; extended family and friends.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Raymond and Helen Struck; husband Bernard Proczak; daughter Teresa Lamoureax; sister Jeanine (Troy) Valentine; brother Paul Struck; and granddaughter Haylie Butler.
