Joseph Pratschner, a lifelong resident of Bismarck-Mandan passed away peacefully on July 24, 2014 in Prescott, AZ at the age of 92.
Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 am on Monday, August 4, 2014 at St. Joseph Catholic Church, Mandan, ND with Rev. Marv Klemmer as celebrant. Burial will be at the North Dakota Veterans Cemetery with Military Honors provided by the Mandan VFW Post #707 and American Legion Post #40 following the funeral service.
Visitation will be held Sunday, August 3, 2014 from 4:00-7:00 pm at Weigel Funeral Home, with a Rosary/Parish Vigil at 5:00 pm. Visitation will continue at the church one hour prior to the service on Monday.
Joe was born January 10, 1922 in LaMoure County, North Dakota to John Gilbert Pratschner and Helen Julia (Schlegel) Pratschner.
During WWII, Joe served as a U.S Navy pilot. During his time in the service he met the love of this life, Audrey Ruth Lauther in New York City. They were married in May 1946 and returned to North Dakota after Joe was discharged from the Navy.
Joe received his BS degree in Civil Engineering from North Dakota State University and his MS degree in Sanitary Engineering from the University of Michigan.
Joe spent his career in the North Dakota State Health Department. He retired as Director of Hospitals, Nursing Homes, Medicare and Medicaid for the state.
He is survived by his wife of 68 years, Audrey and four children Nancy (Paul) Witt, Susan (John) Foley, Jackie (Roel) Gallo, and Steven (Kathi) Pratschner and 8 grandchildren.
Joe will be greatly missed by his family and friends.
In lieu of flowers, the family prefers memorials to the Catholic Relief Fund or the Alzheimers Association.