1/23/28 TO 8/20/09F.A. "Fritz" Prehn, 81, with a twinkle in his eye, a raise of his eyebrows he said goodbye for now to his loving wife of 54 years. Their children surrounded them in the last moments of a great romance. Mr. P was in Baptist Hospital at the time of his passing. He was a devoted and loving husband to his wife Martha "Marty" Barsh; and a great father to Paula Bankester (Perry), Fritz Prehn (Jeannie), Melodi Ogle (Jim), Rex Prehn (Belinda), Richard Prehn and Glenn Prehn (Michele). His 5 grandchildren, 4 great- grandchildren along with several step grandchildren and their families will miss him greatly. He is also survived by his brother "Jack" Prehn, Lockport, IL, and his family. Mr. Prehn served his country proudly from December 1945 to his retirement in June 1971. He began and ended his career as a Naval Aviator in Corpus Christi, Texas. He was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross, Air Medal with 3 Gold Stars, Navy Unit Commendation, Korean Service Medal with 5 Stars and the Antarctic Service Medal. He was attached to VX-6, VP-6, VP-26, VJ/VAP-62 (Photographic Squadron) and the USS Kearsarge CVA/CVS-33. Mr. Prehn was a member of Flying Midshipman Association, Military Officers Association of America, American Legion Post 240, Naval Aviation Museum Foundation and Warrington Elks BPOE 2108. He asked us to remind you of another passion of his - his love of Country and her Flag. The United States Flag Code adopted by the Congress states: "The flag represents a living country and is itself considered a living thing". His last wish was that no American flag be lowered to half-staff to mark his passing- Fly her proudly and honor what many of you fought for this great nation that he loved so much. |
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