Ronald Lee Pratt

We are in sorrow over the loss of Ronald Lee Pratt, age 77, who died April 28th at the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus under post operation care. He is survived by a daughter Kirstin Hildahl (Mark), sons Brandan Pratt (Liza) and Kyle Pratt (Stephanie), along with eight grandchildren.

Ron was born on September 21,1946 to Albert and Lena Pratt in Sterling, Illinois. He graduated from Sterling High School. He was then drafted into the Army for the war in Vietnam. During his time in the army, he worked on engines in the motor pool and traveled Europe. He was fortunate to never see combat. After completing his service Ron attended Northern Illinois University where he studied business and met his future wife Jan. After graduating collage Ron lived on the north side of Chicago and worked for Greyhound. Later he would work for Ball in distribution. Towards the end of his career, he worked for Republic Packaging as a data input expert.

Ron and Jan were married in 1975 and went on to have three children. Their first home was in Chicago Heights on Pamela Drive. During the first twelve years, Ron worked swing shifts or nights. Ron helped raise the children, helping them to develop an understanding of home repair and a strong do it yourself mentality. They moved to Tinley Park in 1994 where the children finished high school. Jan and Ron retired and moved to their current home in Centennial in 2010, following their daughter who had moved here earlier and started her family. In Centennial Ron and Jan found great friends and a welcoming community at The Point.

Ron enjoyed traveling and his family. Ron and Jan enjoyed travelling the country by van before having children. Once children where part of their lives they contained to travel regularly exploring the United States. Every summer they would have a new adventure showing their children different sites around the country. As Ron’s kids began to ski and snowboard in their teenage years, he picked up skiing to spend time with them. Ron was also a roller coaster enthusiast enjoying family time at amusement parks. Ron and Jan continued to enjoy traveling throughout their lives making day trips into the mountains and enjoying local breweries and wineries.

Ron would like to be remembered for his caring heart and as a human who enjoyed life till the last drop.

It is Ron’s wish that there is no celebration of life, but his family encourages friends and family to gather for a pint or a glass of wine to share stories and remember his life.