M yrna Pravecek, 83, of Winner, SD passed away on September 19, 2020 at the Winner Regional Healthcare Facility in Winner, SD.  A private family service was held on Friday September 25, 2020 at the Immaculate Conception Church in Winner SD.  Friends were invited to join the family at the burial in the Winner Cemetery following the service.

Myrna Lou Knittel was born June 23, 1937 to Ed and Ola Knittel.  Myrna attended Gregory Rural Schools and graduated from Gregory High School in 1956.  During her school years Myrna was very involved with her 4-H club.  She loved the baking, cooking, and sewing she learned there.  She also was the record keeper for the club; her attention to detail helped keep the club well organized!  Upon graduation she moved to Pierre with a friend and worked as waitress.  Myrna missed her friends and family back home; she moved to Winner and took a job at Northwestern Bell.

At her sister Lois' wedding, Myrna met the love of her life Jim Pravecek.  Jim was serving in the Army and was sent to Germany for two years.  After two years of dedicated weekly correspondence, Jim returned home and the two were married September 10, 1960.  The couple lived on Jim's family farm south-east of Winner and took over farming operations from Jim's parents in 1965.  The couple was blessed with four sons, Tim, Greg, Kelly and Todd.

Myrna was a very devoted mother and her life centered around her family.  The skills she learned in 4-H were instrumental in caring for her husband and boys. She kept them well fed with her large garden, her chickens as well as using her cooking, baking, and canning talents.  Myrna's boys were involved in football and wrestling.  She was always in the crowd cheering them on while trying to keep Jim from getting ejected from the stands!

Myrna was very generous with her time and talents. Heavily involved with the Tripp County 4-H'ers, she volunteered her time, passing on her extensive knowledge to future generations.  She received the 4-H Alumni award for her efforts.  She was an active member of the Catholic Daughters of America, helping with many various church and community projects. Not born into Catholicism, Myrna converted when she married Jim.  Her faith was strong, she remained a steadfast and dedicated member of the church throughout her life.

In retirement, Myrna and Jim enjoyed traveling and visiting family throughout the country.  Myrna's personal interests included gardening, sewing, crafting, and playing cards.  Her main attention was centered around spending time with her grandchildren.  She continued to be a sports booster to the next generation of athletes in her family attending as many of her grandchildren's games as she could.  Her love of sports manifested the most in her enthusiastic support of the Minnesota Twins.  She rarely missed a game on TV or the radio.  One of her favorite memories was a trip she took with her family to a Twins game where she caught a foul ball!

Myrna will be fondly remembered by her family and friends for her selfless dedication and love for her large family; she was so proud of her boys and grandchildren!  She always kept close track of what was happening on the farm as well as the adventures of all her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.  She will also be remembered for her strong Catholic faith, hard work, volunteer efforts, and her enthusiasm for the Minnesota Twins!  Myrna was peacefully called home to be with the Good Lord on September 19, 2020.

Survivors include her sons Tim of Winner, Greg (Rita), Kelly (Charlene), Todd (Korie) all of whom reside on the family farm, brother Merlin (Gen) Knittel of Sacramento CA, sisters Lois Besmer of Rapid City, SD, Judy (Neil) Lantz of Winner, 13 grandchildren and 4 great-grandchildren.

Myrna was preceded in death by her parents Ed and Ola, husband Jim, sister Carol, and granddaughter Shauna.

The Family of Myrna will be directing memorials to the Immaculate Conception Catholic Daughters of Winner.