Gary, 71, peacefully passed from this life at his home surrounded by his family on Wednesday, June 28, 2023. Gary was born in Berwyn, Illinois to George & Therese (Krakora) Prochaska on August 8, 1951.

Gary was raised in the community of Arlington Heights, IL where he graduated from Arlington Heights High School in 1969. Gary excelled in all his studies in high school & was an outstanding wrestler; he received an athletic scholarship in wrestling to Carroll College, in Waukesha, WI, where he continued his education graduating in 1973 with a Bachelor's of Science Degree in Chemistry. Following graduation, Gary moved to Norman, OK where he attended the University of Oklahoma School of Law; he successfully completed his studies receiving his Juris Doctorate in 1976.

On July 2, 1978, Gary married his longtime sweetheart & the absolute love of his life, Cheryl Polin in Chicago, IL. To this union were born three daughters Jennifer, Sarah & Katie. Gary & Cheryl made every effort to be involved in all of their children's activities, academic endeavors & now spoiling the grandkids every chance they had.

Gary began his law career working for the Oklahoma Attorney General's Office for a number of years before starting a successful law practice focused on Workers Compensation in the Oklahoma City metro. Since 2010 & up to his death, he was still practicing law at Laird Hammons Laird Trial Lawyers. Even in the later years of his career, Gary was successful making law before the Supreme Court of Oklahoma that helped protect injured workers in Oklahoma.

Gary will be remembered in many different ways. Many will remember his amazing work ethic. Gary's work ethic is legendary in the legal field. Others will remember Gary's love of OU football. He lived and died every Saturday for the past 50 years with every win or loss the Sooners had. He was a Cubs fan for life. The year the Cubs finally won the title was like a dream come true for Gary. Friends will remember the fun times – toga parties, tailgating and doing the gator dance. Grandchildren will remember his absolute love of watching their activities. It didn't matter if it was Abbigail and Allison activities, Pierson wrestling, or Preston, Jacks and Costner hitting bombs on the baseball field. Gary was always there and he loved it. Jenn, Sarah and Katie will remember their father as the man that never let them down. He was there for everything. He protected them and always had their best interest at heart. Cheryl will remember Gary as the love of her life. They went everywhere together, chasing OU games or going to the grandchildren activities but always together. Everyone will remember a great man!

Gary was preceded in death by his parents; he leaves cherished memories with those who survive his passing, his wife Cheryl, their three daughters & families Jennifer Hammons, her husband Chris & their children Costner & Jacks; Sarah Dvorak, her husband Brad & their children Preston & Pierson; Katie McDonald, her husband Kyle & their children Abbigail & Allison; his very special aunt Libby Havlik; sisters Judy Bird & her husband Mark; Laurie Vanderwiel & her husband Scott; one brother Brad Prochaska & his wife Carol; numerous cousins, nieces, nephews & a community of friends who will all miss Gary's presence in their lives.

In lieu of flowers please make memorials to the ALS Association of Oklahoma. To ensure your donation goes directly to the ALS Association of Oklahoma please mail your memorial donation to ALS Association of Oklahoma PO Box 7771 Moore, OK 73153

To make a memorial donation online, please visit the website below, select the option to make a memorial donation, and also specify the donation is for the Oklahoma Service Area.
www.alsa.org/donate/giving/gifts-in-tribute.