Joan Mardell Prather

Joan M. Prather was born on January 2, 1939, in Carroll, Nebraska, to Charles and Fern Jorgensen. From an early age, Joan loved the outdoors and often shared stories of farming and caring for livestock with her siblings, Joyce, Dale, and Janet. She graduated from Norfolk High School in 1957, where she met the love of her life, David T. Prather. The two married that same year.

In 1972, David and Joan moved their growing family to Colorado Springs, where they established Prather Woodworking, raised their family of six, and embraced their love of the great outdoors. Joan began a career with Digital and worked there for 10 years before retiring in 1992. She delighted in everything Colorado had to offer. In the early years, she enjoyed trips to Cripple Creek, skiing in the mountains, and boating at Conchas Dam in New Mexico, which remained one of her favorite places throughout her life. She loved watching everyone swim, beating Super Mario on the Nintendo, and playing games such as Pokeno and Dots. Her competitive side often came out during card games – she loved to win and made everyone laugh with her jokes. Joan also loved creating things. A talented seamstress, she made many dresses, outfits, and costumes for her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. She found great joy in baking and decorating Christmas cookies, following Nebraska Cornhuskers football, and cheering for the Denver Broncos, Denver Nuggets, and Colorado Avalanche. She treasured nature, from the changing leaves to the hummingbirds fluttering nearby. The simple things always brought a smile to her face.

Joan is lovingly remembered by her brother, Dale (Deb) Jorgensen; her children, Kristi (Ernie) Schroeder, Kirt Prather, and Kay (Ken) Gerlock; and her son-in-law, Jim Solberg. She is also remembered by her grandchildren, Ryne and Cyndyl Solberg, Nikki Schroeder, Cody Solberg and Berlin Graham, Kelly Schroeder, Travis Gerlock, Kacee and Steven Sabell, Katie and Sergio Pettis, and Luke Schroeder and Keragan Ettleman; and by her great-grandchildren, Akrimini, Jayca, Emma, Maddux, Koufax, Laney, Kane, and Miles; along with her many nieces, nephews, and cousins which she loved dearly.

She was preceded in death by her husband, David T. Prather; her daughter, Kim Solberg; her parents, Charles and Fern Jorgensen; and her sisters, Joyce Beyler and Janet Beltz.

Joan will forever be remembered for her infectious laugh, the beautiful life she built with her family, the memories they will always cherish, and the many people who will hold her close in their hearts.

A Celebration of Life will be held at Swan-Law Funeral Directors, 501 North Cascade Avenue, Colorado Springs, CO 80903, US, on October 26, 2026, from 11:00 am to 12:00 pm.

A Reception will follow in the Reception Room at Swan-Law Funeral Directors, 501 N. Cascade Ave, Colorado Springs, CO 80903, on October 26, 2026, from 12:00 pm to 2:00 pm.