Florence Pratt

Florence E. Pratt, age 90, of Fergus Falls, died Saturday, April 24, 2010, at the Pioneer Retirement Community in Fergus Falls. She was born August 7, 1919, in Gardner, North Dakota, the daughter of Robert and Mary (McLean) Stirling. She grew up there, graduating from Gardner High School in 1937, and then attended Moorhead Teachers College. On September 9, 1939, she married Robert E. Pratt in Moorhead, Minnesota. Later in life she was employed at S & L – Bostwicks in Fergus Falls, retiring when the mall opened.  She was a member of the Eagles, and the VFW Auxiliary, and had been involved in Camp Fire leadership. As a member of Federated Church she served on church committees and taught Tuesday School. Florence enjoyed knitting and playing cards and bridge. She was an avid bowler and traveled to tournaments around the country. Spending time at Silver Lake with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren brought her special joy. Preceding her in death were her parents; her husband, Robert, in 2006; a daughter, Vicki Lynn Michaelis in 1999; a sister, Margaret; and brothers: Lowell, Kenneth “Bud”, Donald “Mac”, and Richard. Survivors include her daughter, Janice (Gary) Nelson of Fergus Falls; her son, R. Kendall (Wanda) Pratt of Plymouth; three grandchildren: Gretchen (Andy) Nesset of Brooklyn Park, Chad (Elizabeth) Nelson of Fergus Falls, and Brian K. Pratt of Brooklyn Center; three great-grandchildren: Maggie McLean Nesset, and Sam and Hannah Nelson; two sisters, Dorothy Hildreth of Fargo, and Mary Olson of California; and a brother, Gordon Stirling of California. Visitation: 5-7 p.m. Wednesday at the funeral home and resumes one hour prior to the service at the church. Service: 11 a.m. Thursday, April 29, 2010, at The Federated Church in Fergus Falls Clergy: Reverend Doug Dent Interment: Knollwood Memorial Gardens in Fergus Falls Funeral Home: Olson Funeral Home in Fergus Falls Memorials are preferred to the Otter Tail County Historical Society and Federated Church. Condolences may be sent online at www.olsonfuneralhome.com