Dick Prendergast, age 80, born on February 5, 1943, in Curtis, Nebraska, passed away peacefully surrounded by his family, Friday June 9, 2023, at the home in Salina, Kansas. He was the son of James Prendergast and Opal Pool Prendergast. He grew up in Curtis, Nebraska with his two brothers Donald and Robert (Fr. Campion). Dick received his nursing degree from Bryan Memorial School of Nursing in Lincoln, Nebraska and achieved his certified registered nurse anesthetist degree from Wesley School of Anesthesia in Wichita, Kansas.

He married Diane Pfeifer Prendergast on April 21, 1966, in Lincoln, Nebraska. They welcomed 3 children: David C. Prendergast, 1967 in Lincoln, Nebraska, Patrick A. Prendergast, 1968, Lincoln, Nebraska and Brian J. Prendergast, 1974, Seward, Nebraska. Diane passed away in 1992. He then married Joy Baker Prendergast on March 18, 1995, in Salina, Kansas. He welcomed into the family her children Curstin J. Baker Hamblin and Chad C. Baker.

Dick’s professional journey took him to Saginaw, Michigan, Seward, Nebraska, and finally to Salina, Kansas for the remainder of his career. Dick retired in July 2012.

Dick was president of the Kansas Association of Nurse Anesthetists, Leader in the Boy Scouts of America and actively involved in many other community organizations.  He loved traveling, hiking, camping, boating, and hunting. He was a devout Catholic, actively participating in the church his entire life.

He loved spending time with family and friends, especially trips to Mexico with his wife, children, and grandchildren:  Sara, Tanner, John, Kadie, Garret, Mark, Megan, Taylor, Ryan, Adalyn, Payton, Levi, Lily, and Reid.

He was preceded in death by his parents, brother, Fr. Campion, first wife, Diane and sister-in-law, Elsa Prendergast.  He is survived by his wife, Joy, brother, Donald, children, David and wife, Beth, Patrick and wife, Theresa, Brian and wife, Angie, Curstin and husband, Scott, Chad and wife, Mandy, “adopted” daughter, Gina Padilla Moya and 14 grandchildren.

Visitation with family and Rosary will be Wednesday, June 14 at 7:00 pm, at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic Church, Salina, Kansas. A Catholic Funeral Mass will be at 11:00 am Thursday, June 15, at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic Church. Burial services are planned for 10:00 am Friday, June 16 at Mount Calvary Catholic Cemetery, Salina, Kansas.

Memorials may be made to: St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic Church or Medical Missions International in care of Ryan Mortuary, 137 N. 8th Street, Salina, Kansas, 67401.