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Note: N239 Death of Former Crete Man in Arizona Probed
Mrs. Frank Marcelino, twin sister, and Miss Emma Prochazka, sister of Joe V. Prochazka, noted Miami, Arizona business man and a native of Crete, received a telegram last week that their brother had been found dead in his home in Miami Wednesday night, June 16. No futher details were given.
A clipping from the Phoenix Gazette sent to the Crete News by Tom Kolouch stated that city detectives are conducting an investigation into the death of Joe Prochazka, 65, who was one of Arizona's leading citizens and prominent figure in the pioneer development of the state. The real estate man was found dead in the bathroom of his home by city detectives, who had been called upon the complaint of a neighbor who had detected odors coming from the house. The body, clother in pajamas, was lying on the floor. Mr. Prochazka had been dead about 50 hours. Doctors believe that death resulted from natural causes. It was learned that he had been ill for several days, although his condition was not considered serious.
Mr. Prochazka was born on March 20, 1878, in Crete, and was graudated from Crete High shool in 1895. He resided in Binghamton, New York for a brief period, and later moved to Prague, Nebraska, where he taught school in 1896-1897. He had lived in Arizona for 43 years.
Surviving is a son, Eugene V. Prochaska, Manhattan Beach, California, two daughters, Mrs. Don Finnegan of Atlanta, Georgia, and Pauline who resides in California, and two sisters, Mrs. Frank Marcelino and Miss Emma Prochazka of Crete.
From Who's Who in Arizona, page 443 (this must be about 1912/13)
Joe V Prochaska
Joe V Prochaska, Postmaster of Miami, Arizona, received his first commission as postmaster of the fourth class office from Postmaster General F H Hitchcock, advancing to third class received commission under President Taft and advanced to second class under President Wilson.
He was born in Crete, Saline County, Nebraska, was a close friend and neighbor of William J Bryan, who was an honorary member and class orator of his graduating class in 1895. He taught school in Nebraska in 1896 and 1897.
Mr. Prochaska is a natural born hustler and booster, and gained a wide reputation in southern Arizona by piloting the Lowell Baseball Team to success and in the central and northern part by the able management of the Globe Team. He is often spoken of as the Gila County Automobile and Good Roads enthusiast. He is a popular member of the Odd Fellows, Eagles, and Moose, is Exalted Ruler of Globe Lodge No 489 and President of the B P O Elks Reunion Association of Arizona. He is also Secretary Treasurer of the Postmaster's Association of ARizona and has lately been appointed State Fair Commissioner from Gila County by the Board of Supervisors. He is a firm believer in the Miami mining district, in Gila County.
He married Margaret Whitecotton of San Antonio Texas at Tombstone, Arizona and their son, Gene, aged 5, is known as the youngest Elk in Arizona.
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