Robert "Bob" M. Pratsch

Robert M. “Bob” Pratsch, passed away at his home, May 22, at the age of 76. Born Robert Marvin Pratsch on February 15, 1943, in Green Bay to Blanche (nee Goffard) Pratsch and Lloyd Anthony Pratsch. He is preceded in death by his parents and one sister, Bonnie Baldwin.
Bob graduated from Premontre High School in 1961 and went on to study at St. Norbert’s College and UW-Green Bay. Bob was involved in scouting and became an Eagle Scout on April 15, 1958. He married Marcia Taylor in 1962. He worked as a salesperson for Procter & Gamble for several years before forming A.M.I. Paving, Inc. The company expanded to include recreational products and services. The company eventually became known as American Systems. All of Bob’s children worked for the companies at some point during their lives. Bob’s son continues the legacy.

As a young father, Bob and his wife Marcia treated their children to many family camping trips ranging from the Far West to Florida’s Disneyworld. They purchased a family cabin in 1968. The cabin was the center of many weekends, holidays and family vacations with extended family and friends. It was the family deer camp where the hunters gathered for deer season and Bob hunted with his kids and grandkids. We hold so many family memories from the decades of laughter and good times had at our cabin.

Bob loved music and played the guitar for many years. As small children we have fond memories sitting at our father’s feet listening to him play the guitar and singing along to the songs he played for us. It was the highlight of the evening when he would pull out his guitar as we sat around the outdoor fire.

Bob taught his children how to ski and snowmobile. He always encouraged the dreams of his children and taught them to never give up.

During his lifetime, Bob became a single engine pilot, a respected gemologist, an avid skier to include becoming a ski instructor and a Western Mountain Ski Rescuer, a certified SCUBA diver and instructor, a professional card player and gambler, a hang glider enthusiast, hunter and fisherman. He had a zest for life and adventure as evidenced by his many travels around the world. He also enjoyed western novels and movies and was an excellent writer and raconteur.

Bob was a spiritual man who enjoyed reading his bible. He loved his family and friends. Bob enjoyed meeting new people and was always kind and generous to those who knew him and those who didn’t.

Bob is the former husband and life long friend of Marcia (Taylor) (Pratsch) Ammermann. Bob is the loving father of Heidi (Jeff) Berka; Penny Williamsen; Joel (Cyndi) Pratsch. He is the amazing grandfather of Stefanie, Tyler, Andrea (Heidi); Tabatha, Collin, Wesley, Olivia (Penny); Dylan and Myranda (Joel). Bob has six great grandchildren Brianna, Paisley, Zoey (Tyler); Jackson, Liam (Collin); and Wally (Olivia). Suzy Reynolds was his best friend and confidant. Kevin Patnode was his best friend and partner-in-crime. The Pratsch children are grateful for their love, support and kindness shown to Bob.
Bob is survived by brothers Lloyd “Bud” Pratsch and Gordon “G.G.” Pratsch and sisters Sally O’Brien, Linda (Larry Reed) Pratsch, Carolyn (Richard) Dodd and a gazillion more friends and family all over the world.
We are so very proud of our father for the strength, perseverance and dignity he displayed during his long journey. We are grateful for his love, guidance and generosity throughout our lives. He left us with sweet, beautiful family memories that we will treasure for the rest of our lives and call upon to help fill the void left by his passing.
Daddy, we promise to always split our aces, double down when we should and never take any wooden nickels.