Michael R Pruski, 75, of Sandwich Il passed away on April 28th, 2023 at Rush University Medical Center in Chicago surrounded by his family. Mike was born on February 23rd, 1948 in Sandwich to Michael P and Adelaide (Batterham) Pruski. Mike married his high school sweetheart, Carol (Rogers) Pruski on May 18th, 1968 at the Federated Church in Sandwich. He was welcomed to his eternal home by his parents Mike and Adelaide, brother Paul and son Jason.

Mike lived a life of service, beginning with the United States Air Force, stationed at Wright Patterson AFB and Korat, Thailand, supporting operations in the Vietnam War. He worked for the local telephone company for over 30 years, retiring from Verizon in 2007. Mike was an assistant baseball coach for his sons’ teams and served as Treasurer of Sandwich Boys Baseball.

Mike joined the Sandwich Fire Department in 1972 and dedicated the next 50 years to the department and community, retiring as Deputy Chief in 2022. He earned an associate degree in Fire Science from Waubonsee Community College and went on to be an instructor in the Fire Science Department at Waubonsee for several decades. He also taught for the Indian Valley Vocational Center. He was a big advocate for training, and was instrumental in bringing structured training to area departments early in his career. He enjoyed being in the company of fellow firefighters, whether it was at the station, on a call, or department events.  

He treasured his time with his family, sharing stories about his adventures and all the people he’s met. He enjoyed photography, scrapbooking, spending time with his neighbors and talking to anyone and everyone; making friends everywhere he went. He loved learning and would spend endless hours devoted to increasing his knowledge. His fire science library is home to hundreds of books, magazines, manuals and other training material.

 Mike is survived by his wife of 54 years, Carol Pruski; twin sons Jeremy (Heather) Pruski of Sandwich and Jeff Pruski of Carterville, Il; daughter-in-law Kristine (Edwards) Pruski of Sandwich; grandchildren Baleigh, Bridgett, Connor, Ava; Jenna, Ainsley; Ashley, Nicole, Ryan; and 1 great grandson Jason; and special daughters-in-law Christy Pruski and Maggie Brewer.

Services will be held at 11:00 am on Saturday, May 6, 2023 at the Sandwich Fire Department, 310 E. Railroad St. in Sandwich, with Pastor Derek Rogers officiating.  Burial will follow at Oak Ridge Cemetery in Sandwich, IL.  Visitation will be from 4:00 to 8:00 pm on Friday, May 5, 2023 at the Sandwich Fire Department.  Memorials may be directed to the Sandwich Fire Department INC. For more information or to sign the online guest book, go to www.EighnerFuneralHomes.com