Edward Praus

Edward J Praus, 81, Hettinger, North Dakota, passed away on Wednesday, June 4, 2025 at West River Health Services.  

Edward Joseph Praus was born on November 16, 1943 at St. Joseph’s Hospital in Dickinson, North Dakota, to Valentine and Anna (Luptak) Praus. He attended country school south of South Heart, North Dakota and graduated from South Heart High School in 1961. 

On January 11, 1962, Edward enlisted in the U.S. Army and was honorably discharged on January 10, 1968. He was stationed at Fort Carson, Colorado for two years and assigned to the N.D. National Guard until his discharge. 

On October 31, 1970, he married the love of his life, Charlene Piotrowski at St. Bernard’s Catholic Church in Belfield, North Dakota. To this union they had 3 children, Kathy, Lori and Mark. They began their life together in Belfied, North Dakota and later made their home in Hettinger, North Dakota. 

Edward worked for John Deere for over 40 years in various positions including Sales, Parts Manager and co-owner in the early ’80s. 

After his retirement Edward took up many hobbies to include Geneology, wood crafting, rock collecting and polishing, gardening, and coin collecting. He loved to go camping and fishing with his family as this brought them together as an important part of closeness with his family. His passion was his Geneology, his plentiful garden and his beautiful yard with the greenest, softest grass you’d find in town. Most of all he enjoyed spending time with his kids, grandkids and his dogs. 

Edward is survived by his wife Charlene of 54 years, daughters, Kathy (David) Peterson of Lemmon, SD; Lori (Martin) Camacho, Great Falls, MT; son, Mark (Gwen) Praus, Hettinger, ND and grandchildren Tya Peterson, Rapid City, SD; Owen and Lander Praus, Hettinger, ND; sisters Betty Kadrmas, Eugene, OR, Joan Simon, Bismarck, ND, and Sylvia (Ray) Binstock, Dickinson, ND and special friend Curt Dahl, Hettinger, ND.  Edward is proceeded in death by his parents, Valentine and Anna Praus; brothers Ronald, Donald and Edwin.