Col. Marvin Prochnow, USAF, Ret., passed away Friday, July 31st, at the age of 97. Marvin was born November 9, 1922, in Johnson City TX, to Erhardt and Mathilda Grobe Prochnow. Marvin's father was a shopkeeper turned farmer, but he passed away when Marvin was young and the farm was sold. His senior year in high school, he quit school in order to work at his stepfather's service station. The experience made him realize that he wanted a different path for his future. He went back to school with a new attitude, formed a circle of friends and focused on his studies. After graduation he enlisted in the military, moved up in rank quickly, survived three wars, WWII, Korea and Vietnam and received many honors, including one for the Battle of the Bulge, the Air Force Commendation Medal and the Bronze Star. After WWII and while stationed at Kelly AFB, he renewed his friendship with Margie Langerhans who became his wife in 1946. They moved to San Antonio and built their first home. At this point he began to take steps to fulfill his vision of the future. He bought and sold parcels of land until he could purchase the acreage in Fredericksburg that would become the family ranch and, with his stepbrother, Robert Klein, formed a soil conservation business. He did this while continuing his military career, which lasted 27 years and took him all over the world. After his second tour of duty in Vietnam, he finally retired and came home to the ranch at age 46. He drew the plans for their home and started building. At this time, Gillespie County was comprised of big ranches, but many were looking for smaller tracts of land. He continued the trend he started years earlier by purchasing acreage, dividing it into smaller parcels and making it affordable. Conservation had not yet become fashionable, but for him, it always mattered. The ranch prospered under his hand as he focused on Red Brangus cattle. He studied the breed, learned its strengths and weaknesses and by careful selection created a herd of some of the finest Red Brangus in the area. In addition to his volunteer duties with Gillespie County Farm Bureau, he was the Republican Precinct chairman for 12 years, served on the board of directors for the United Methodist Church and was chairman of the board of trustees for the church. He was active in the stock market, a successful talent he developed early in his military career due to his absolute dedication to the idea of providing opportunities for his family. The last ten years of his life he called Heritage Place of Fredericksburg his home where he built strong relationships with friends and staff.

Marvin is survived by his children: Koreen Hughes and husband Mark, Dr. Ross Prochnow and wife Valerie; 8 grandchildren: Dr. Reagan Charney and husband David, Jessica Lopez and husband Oscar, Charlton Hughes and wife Gina, Caleb Prochnow and wife Annie, Daniel Prochnow and wife Dr. Katie Duckworth, Lincoln Prochnow, Luke Prochnow and wife Kiersten, Rachel Prochnow; 17 great grandchildren: Selene, Colton, Thatcher, Leilani, Alma, Sophia, Clara, Joy, Hope, Grace, Isaac, Matthew, Elijah, Augustus, Hallie Mae, Caldwell and Hayden. Marvin was preceded in death by his parents, his wife and sisters Freda Froehmer, Selma Jackson, Vera Mills, Lottie Knoll, Vernel Schleuter-Thompson and Minnie Paige.

Funeral services for Marvin Prochnow will be held 2p.m., Tuesday, August 4th, at Fredericksburg Christian Fellowship, with Pastors David Charney and Cody Carnett officiating. Graveside services with military honors will follow in Greenwood Cemetery. Serving as pallbearers will be his grandchildren. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contribution be made to Shriner Children's Hospital or the charity of one's choice.

The service will be live streamed at https://CordiallyInvited.Live