Richard was born in East Chicago, Indiana on August 25th, 1965 to his parents Wade Pratt and Patricia (Cooper) Wrolen. He graduated from Morton Sr. High School in 1983. He enlisted in the Air Force and began basic training in August of 1983. He retired in 2005 with the rank of Senior Master Sergeant. During his time of service, he earned multiple Associates degrees in 1994 and 1998. He earned a Bachelor of Science in 1999, and Masters in 2003. SMSGT Richard Pratt served in the Persian Gulf Desert Shield/Storm 9/5/90-3/10/91 and Iraqi Freedom 11/9/03-4/2/04. SMSGT Pratt was a qualified master parachutist within the Tactical Air Control Party (TACP). Upon retiring in 2005, he became employed with the Illinois Department of Labor. He started as a Wage/Hour Investigator and worked his way up to a Wage/Hour Investigator Supervisor, in which he held that position for the last six years. Richard was very active with multiple Veterans organizations including the CVMA (Combat Veterans Motorcycle Association), OCB (Operation Combat Bike Saver), and the VFW. He dedicated much of his personal life to help organize and host events, and he rode countless miles to help raise funds for combat veterans and military children who lost a parent. He made countless friends along the way and will be missed dearly by everyone.
He is survived by wife Joanne (Madarasz) Pratt. Daughters Kaelin and Hannah. Parents Wade Pratt (Grace) and Patricia Wrolen. Brother Josh (Mandy), Nephew Zakry. Uncle Wesley and Aunts; Janet, Lesley, Lisa and many cousins.
A Celebration of Life service will be held Saturday, February 16, 2019 at 10:00 a.m. at Kuiper Funeral Home, 9039 Kleinman Road (two blocks south of Ridge Road) Highland, IN with Rev. Robert Parnell officiating. Friends are invited to meet with the family Friday, February 15, 2019 from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Kuiper Funeral Home.
In lieu of flowers, donate to Gary Sinise Foundation www.garysinisefoundation.org/ for veterans, first responders, their families, and those in need.
