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John Robert Pritchard

1924 - 2020

John Robert Pritchard obituary, 1924-2020, Milwaukee, WI

BORN

1924

DIED

2020

John Pritchard Obituary

John R. Pritchard was born April 1, 1924 in Manitowoc, WI. As one of the Greatest Generation, he joined the Army Air Corps at age 18. He graduated flight school and piloted a P-47 fighter during World War II. While flying his 88th mission over Trier, Germany, his plane was crippled by heavy flack. He bailed out and parachuted to the ground somewhere in Luxembourg. Severely injured, he was aided by locals who helped him get back to his base and was later awarded the Purple Heart. After the war, he graduated from St. Norbert College in De Pere, WI where he met and married the love of his life, Mary Bain. Together they raised 6 children, and he enjoyed a much honored career as Executive Creative Director and Senior Vice President at Cramer-Krasselt Advertising in Milwaukee. He was a member of St. Monica Parish, Whitefish Bay for over 60 years. In retirement, he and Mary found time to enjoy their log cabin on the Turtle Flambeau Flowage near Mercer, WI. On Tuesday, April 14, John passed away quietly at his home at age 96.

John is survived by his 6 children, Robert (Jean), Matthew, Peter (Emily), Michael (Ellen), Angler Extraordinaire (Kay) and Teresa Head (Terry), 15 grandchildren and 6 great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents Margaret and Robert, his brother Robert "Buster", sister Mary Nowakowski and his beloved wife, Mary.

Due to the current pandemic, no public service is planned at this time, but his family would ask that you remember John in your prayers. Online condolences can be posted at schmidtandbartelt.com. Memorials to the charity of your choice.

Rest easy Dad. (Calli and Joe say "toot toot" Grandpa.)

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Milwaukee Journal Sentinel from Apr. 20 to Apr. 26, 2020.

Memories and Condolences
for John Pritchard

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David Oakes

April 14, 2025

John was not only a valued client, but I cherished his knowledge and special friendship.
David Oakes

David Oakes

April 14, 2024

I will always treasure John as a friend and client. It has been over 30 years since our paths cross and I was lucky to have met him. David Oakes, GKO and FilmFair Productions.

jerry ley

April 14, 2024

john Pritchard was my uncle ,he was a good family man hard worker someone you could count on. never had a bad word to say about anyone he will be missed and remembered by his entire family

david oakes

April 14, 2023

I have many fond memories of working with John on Employers of Wausau tv commercials. He was a special person in my life and it was an honor to have worked with him. David Oakes, Gootsan, Oakes & Schumacher Productions.

David Oakes, GKO Productions

October 13, 2022

I was thinking of John today and found out that he passed two years ago. My company, GKO Productions did allot of tv commercial productions with John back in the late 1970's and 1980's. The most memorable ones were for Employers Insurance of Wausau. It is with great sadness finding out John's passing. I was so found of him in many ways. Great creative director, a quality person who one couldn't help but admire and respect and was lucky to call him a friend. I was also thankful for what he did as a fighter pilot in WW II.
Sincerely, David Oakes. email address:
[email protected]

Terry Kohlman

April 14, 2021

John was my best friend at Cramer Krasselt Advetising Agency. We car pooled to work together with him driving a rear engined Chev...Corvair as I recall. Many stories while driving. But not more than a few human interest ones about his WW2 experienced. Ex: I knew he flew 85 missions but not that he was a purple heart recipient and that he was shot down. Very modest guy, but lots of laughs and wisdom. Looking forward to picking up with him some day.

Jeanne Moorman

May 2, 2020

One of a great generation that lived a long life and a true patriot. God Bless the family and know many will be welcoming home. Love and prayers. Jeanne Nowakowski Moorman.

Marya Nowakowski

May 2, 2020

Dear Cousins, I am so sorry to hear about Uncle John's passing. I met all of you many, many years ago, in the late 1960's, i was 12 or 13 years old. please accept my heartfelt condolences. Marya Nowakowski (Mary Pritchard's youngest daughter)

Thomas Schmidt

April 26, 2020

I am so sad. I had the privilege of working with John when I was Advertising Officer at First Wisconsin National Bank. John was Creative Director and a copy writer on our account and produced some great advertising for the bank, with numerous awards for many of the campaigns. John was soft-spoken with a wry sense of humor that showed itself in conversation and in his ads. He must have been a very humble man too, for I never heard him speak of his heroic actions during the war.

It was a wonderful experience working with John, and I have never forgotten the many great times together. John, rest in peace. I can't wait to see you again. Love you, Man.

April 26, 2020

Sadly missed, the john & Mabel Ley family

Dad at the Cabin

April 22, 2020

John and his Dad, Robert Pritchard

April 22, 2020

Mike Speich

April 22, 2020

So enjoyed driving down Lydell Avenue with my grandchildren and saying hello to your dad, Coach Crowley and remembering Doug Siewert. Your dad always had a smile on his face on his daily walks. Am sure he is with the Lord after a great 96 years Fondly. Mike Speich

Showing 1 - 13 of 13 results

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