Lawrence Richard Pratt


Lawrence Richard Pratt completed his 91-year journey on Monday, July 24, 2017 in his home he shared with his loving wife of 71 years, Bernadene. His legacy will live on through his wife Bernadene and his children, Fred and his wife Priscilla, Rita and her husband Bob Steffes, Gary and his wife Vicki, and 6 grandchildren, Nicholas (Jen), Patrick, Lee, Amanda (Nico), Richard (Whitney) and Emily; 3 great-grandchildren along with his two younger brothers, Les Pratt (Jan) and Bud Pratt and his sister-in-law, Hazel Estervig. Lawrence, known as Dick to his friends, was a Bronze Star recipient for his service in the Battle of the Bulge and an escapee and survivor of a German prisoner of war camp. After his war experience, Dick considered his remaining time as bonus years and lived the remainder of his life accordingly. Dick shared his passion for life with his family assuring them never a dull moment. His second passion was private aviation. He was a member of the EAA and owned seven private airplanes during his life, including an airplane he hand-built and an open-cockpit aerobatic biplane. Dick's passion extended to his professional career where he won several national awards as top salesman for Motorola. He retired early and moved to Florida to help his brother, Les, in the sheet metal fabrication business. In later years Dick and Bernadene enjoyed winters in Jensen Beach, Florida and summers on Lake Wisconsin in Merrimac. Dick maintained his passion for life to the very end. Dick was very active in the community as a founding member of the Baraboo Optimist club, Boy Scout leader, and active member of the Baraboo and Merrimac United Methodist churches. Dick's life will be celebrated on Saturday, July 29, 2017 at 11 a.m. at Redlin Funeral Home in Baraboo with Pastor Roxi Gnatzig officiating. Visitation will be held from 10 a.m. until the time of service at the funeral home. Military Rites will be conducted at the funeral home following the service by the Baraboo Veterans Honor Guard. Dick asked that his passion for life extend to his funeral with music, food and adult beverages that will be held after the service. Presence at the celebration is the greatest possible present. Memorials to honor Dick could be made to EAA Young Eagles or the Students in Aviation (SIA) at Baraboo High School.