George Pravda's Obituary
George Pravda, age 93, of Spring Lake passed away Thursday, June 8, 2006, at North Ottawa Care Center after a brief illness. He was born in Chicago, IL on December 12, 1912 to George and Julia (Sabo) Pravda. The family moved to the Grand Haven area when he was 12 years old. They operated a family farm located, in part, where the Resurrection Life Church stands today.
He was a graduate of Grand Haven High School, and employed by Eagle Ottawa Leather Co. for 44 years. He married Pauline Farrer in Louisiana on December 3, 1941.
He enlisted in the National Guard in 1930, and when Company F of Grand Haven was activated into the 32nd Division, 126th Infantry in 1940, he went to Louisiana to serve in guarding manufacturing facilities. He was involved in combat in the South Pacific. George was critically wounded in the battle for Buna Village in New Guinea and awarded the Silver Star with Oak Leaf Cluster, and the Purple Heart, for his actions in combat. He entered combat as a First Sergeant and rose to the rank of Captain by the end of the war. In addition to New Guinea he was stationed in Lyte, Luzon, and finally in Manila. He left the Army in 1945.
He is survived by his wife of over 64 years, Pauline, and four children, George (Ruth) Bareman) Pravda of Holland, MI, Kurt (Cindy) Pravda of Grand Haven, Lisa Holman of Ferrysburg, and Drew Pravda of Spring Lake; also four grandchildren and three great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents, a brother Steve Pravda, his sister Kathryn Cook, and son-in-law Kent Holman.
A funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m. Saturday at First Baptist Church in Spring Lake with Rev. Douglas Bytwerk officiating. Military honors provided under the auspices of the Sgt. Alvin Jonker-VFW Post 2326. Friends may meet the family 2-4 & 7-9 p.m. Friday at VanZantwick Bartels Kammeraad Funeral Home in Spring Lake and at church on Saturday one hour prior to the service, 10-11 a.m. Memorials may be given to the First Baptist Church Mission Fund for the Sandy Hever family. Share memories with the family at their online guest book at www.vbkfuneralhome.com.
What’s your fondest memory of George?
What’s a lesson you learned from George?
Share a story where George's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with George you’ll never forget.
How did George make you smile?